BREAKING NEWS: Baltimore orioles Kremer struggles in Sacramen O’s at situational hitting in 5-4 loss with… see more

The Baltimore Orioles’ recent West Coast swing hit another snag Friday night as starter Dean Kremer struggled early, and the O’s once again faltered in key scoring opportunities, falling 5–4 to the Sacramento club in a tightly contested game that exposed ongoing issues in situational hitting.

Kremer, coming off a solid June debut, couldn’t find his rhythm at Sutter Health Park, surrendering four earned runs over just 4.1 innings. His command was spotty from the start, issuing three walks and allowing seven hits, including a costly two-run double in the second inning that gave Sacramento an early edge they would never fully relinquish.

“He just didn’t have his best stuff tonight,” said Orioles manager Brandon Hyde postgame. “Falling behind in counts and giving up free passes hurt us. Sacramento took advantage.”

Despite the pitching woes, Baltimore stayed within striking distance all night thanks to a late offensive push, including a two-run homer from Ryan Mountcastle in the eighth inning that brought the O’s within one. However, the team went just 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position, stranding seven men on base — a glaring stat that has become all too familiar.

“It’s frustrating,” Mountcastle said. “We’re getting guys on, but we’re not cashing in when it counts. That’s on all of us.”

Baltimore’s bullpen kept things close, with Keegan Akin and Dillon Tate combining for 3.2 innings of one-run relief. But a missed opportunity in the ninth sealed the O’s fate: after back-to-back singles put the tying and go-ahead runs aboard with one out, Sacramento closer Ryan Garcia struck out Anthony Santander and induced a weak groundout from Colton Cowser to end it.

The loss drops Baltimore to 34–28 on the season and highlights a recurring issue — the inability to capitalize in high-leverage moments. Over their last five games, the Orioles are just 5-for-37 (.135) with runners in scoring position.

As the club looks to rebound in Game 2 of the series tomorrow night, all eyes will be on whether the offense can break out of its situational funk and if the rotation can deliver more consistency behind Kremer.

First pitch is set for 7:05 PM PT.