Mayo, Encarnacion-Strand lift the Orioles past the Athletics, 4-3 in 10 innings

In a thrilling 4-3 victory on Friday night, the Baltimore Orioles outplayed the Athletics at West Sacramento, California. With two outs in the 10th inning, Coby Mayo and Christian Encarnacion-Strand drove in the winning runs with RBI singles, giving Baltimore a 4-2 lead. The Orioles now hold a two-game lead over Cleveland for the final AL wild card spot.

Baltimore's pitching staff was instrumental in securing the win. Brandon Young pitched seven strong innings, allowing just one run on five hits and a walk, putting the Athletics away 2-1. Brady Basso, the Orioles' rookie, intentionally walked Pete Alonso with one out in the 10th, setting up the go-ahead runs.

Athletics starter Jacob Lopez struggled, hitting Mayo with a pitch in the second and walking Leodys Taveras with one out. Despite this, Lopez gave up two runs on three hits and three walks over five innings. Jonah Heim's 12th homer, a two-out shot off Young in the seventh, cut Baltimore's lead to 2-1. Rico Garcia's pitch to Henry Bolte in the eighth resulted in a helmet injury, while Jeff McNeil and Zack Gelof advanced both runners with a sacrifice bunt.

Baltimore's stretch of 15 straight home runs ended in this game. The Athletics have yet to announce their starter for Saturday's crucial matchup against Orioles RHP Shane Baz (4-14, 4.04).