Dominant Baltimore Orioles Power Past Blue Jays with Hays’ Home Runs
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
On a balmy Monday night in Baltimore, Austin Hays put on a power display, belting two home runs to back a stellar outing from Grayson Rodriguez, propelling the Orioles to a commanding 7-2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. The win marked Baltimore’s ninth triumph in their last 11 contests, showcasing their dominance when the long ball is in play; they are an impressive 31-11 when hitting more than one homer.
The offensive surge didn’t stop with Hays, reinforcing the Orioles’ impressive 12-4 record against AL East opponents.
Rodriguez (6-2) was in fine form, delivering 6 2/3 innings of two-run ball, allowing seven hits while striking out four without issuing a walk. This marked his first career win against Toronto in four starts. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde praised his performance, labeling it Rodriguez’s best start of the season. “Tonight there was a lot of early contact," Rodriguez reflected. “When they’re giving me that early contact for outs, I’m going to take it."
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Despite the loss, the Blue Jays saw a glimmer of hope in Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who launched his sixth homer of the season, his 23rd career home run against Baltimore—a mark that stands as his highest against any team.
Hays was the undisputed star of the night. His first home run, a two-run shot to left field, broke the game open in the fourth inning. He followed that up with a solo blast to lead off the seventh, marking his sixth career multi-homer game. After dealing with a strained left calf that sidelined him from April 22 to May 13, Hays is now back in full swing. “I’ve been confident since I came off the IL," Hays remarked. “I’ve been swinging it really good. I swung it good through my rehab. It’s just starting to show up now."
Adding to the excitement, Orioles infielder Connor Norby made his major league debut at second base, going 0 for 3 with two strikeouts before being replaced in the seventh.
Looking ahead, the Orioles are set to send right-hander Corbin Burnes (5-2, 2.35 ERA) to the mound on Tuesday night. The Blue Jays, meanwhile, have yet to announce their starter. With momentum on their side, the Orioles aim to continue their hot streak in this AL East showdown.
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