Leody Taveras homers in Orioles' win vs. Royals before All-Star break
MLB.com • • sports
Key Points:
- The Baltimore Orioles achieved their first four-game winning streak of the 2026 season by sweeping the Kansas City Royals with an 8-2 victory, improving their record to 46-51 and narrowing their playoff gap to two games in the AL Wild Card race.
- Outfielder Leody Taveras played a key role in the finale, hitting a two-run homer and an RBI single, while rookie Samuel Basallo added a home run to extend the lead; both players have been significant contributors this season.
- Despite the win, the Orioles lost utility man Blaze Alexander to a left-hand fracture following a benches-clearing incident, dampening the clubhouse celebration.
- Team leader Pete Alonso motivated the Orioles to capitalize on a nine-game stretch before the All-Star break, emphasizing the importance of consistency over the full 162-game season.
- The Orioles remain optimistic about their postseason chances, hoping to strengthen their position through potential trades before the August 3 deadline and maintain momentum in the second half.
