Encarnacion-Strand hits tiebreaking RBI double in the 9th as Orioles outlast Cardinals 8-7

Christian Encarnacion-Strand's RBI double in the top of the ninth inning proved decisive as the Baltimore Orioles defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 8-7. The Orioles, who trailed by seven runs in the second inning, managed to stay within 2½ games of the Cleveland Guardians in the hunt for the final American League wild-card spot. Encarnacion-Strand and Dylan Beavers started the scoring with RBI singles, followed by Leody Taveras' three-run homer, putting the Orioles ahead 5-0 in the first.

Pete Alonso added to the lead with his 32nd home run of the year, a 368-foot blast to right field. Grant Wolfram and Andrew Kittredge contributed to the ninth-inning save, sealing the win. Starting pitcher Kyle Bradish allowed seven runs on nine hits, walking two and striking out four in 4⅓ innings, while five relievers combined for 4⅔ scoreless innings. The Orioles took the first two games of the three-game series.