Orioles Edge Braves 3-2 as Morton Shines in Atlanta Return
The Baltimore Orioles secured a narrow 3-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Friday night, July 4, 2025, at Truist Park. The win marked a successful return to Atlanta for Orioles pitcher Charlie Morton, who previously played four years for the Braves. The game, played in front of an attendance of 40,249, saw key offensive contributions from Jordan Westburg and Cedric Mullins for Baltimore, while the Braves’ offense continued to struggle.
Game Highlights and Key Plays
The Orioles opened the scoring in the third inning when third baseman Jordan Westburg, returning to the lineup after aggravating his left index finger, launched a solo home run to right field off Braves starter Spencer Strider. This was Westburg’s eighth homer of the season and snapped a scoreless tie. Baltimore extended its lead in the fifth inning when Cedric Mullins connected for a two-run shot, his 13th of the season, also off Strider, bringing home Tyler O’Neill who had singled earlier. This pushed the Orioles’ lead to 3-0.
Atlanta responded in the sixth inning when Drake Baldwin hit a two-run homer, his tenth, off Morton, scoring Jurickson Profar and cutting the deficit to 3-2. However, the Braves’ rally was short-lived. Orioles closer Félix Bautista pitched a perfect ninth inning, securing his 17th save in 18 chances and sealing the 3-2 victory for Baltimore. (CBS Sports, ESPN)
Pitching Performances
Charlie Morton (5-7) earned the win for the Orioles, improving his record to 5-0 in 10 appearances (seven starts) since May 10. Morton pitched 5.1 innings, allowing two earned runs on six hits, with one walk and seven strikeouts. His ERA now stands at 5.47. For the Braves, Spencer Strider (3-7) took the loss, giving up three earned runs on seven hits, including two home runs, over 6.0 innings. He recorded six strikeouts and one walk. Notably, Strider had not allowed a home run in his previous five starts before this outing. The Orioles’ bullpen, including Andrew Kittredge and Bryan Baker, held the Braves scoreless through the seventh and eighth innings before Bautista closed it out. (CBS Sports)
Offensive Notes and Team Context
Beyond the home runs, Jordan Westburg contributed significantly with three hits for the Orioles. Tyler O’Neill also made a successful return from Baltimore’s injured list (left shoulder impingement since May 16), recording a single and a walk. For the Braves, the game marked the end of Matt Olson’s impressive 33-consecutive-game on-base streak, which began on May 29. Atlanta’s offense has been struggling recently, managing only 18 total runs in their last eight games, with three shutout losses, resulting in a 2-6 record over that span. (CBS Sports)
Following this game, the Baltimore Orioles’ season record stands at 38-49, while the Atlanta Braves are now 39-48. The Braves, who were favored in pre-game betting with a moneyline of -184, failed to meet expectations, and the game’s total of five runs fell well under the projected 8.5-run line. (FOX Sports, PickDawgz)
Upcoming Matchup
The two teams will continue their series on Saturday. The Baltimore Orioles are expected to start right-hander Dean Kremer (7-7, 4.27 ERA), while the Atlanta Braves may opt for a bullpen game or call up a starter from their minor league system. (CBS Sports)
