Colton Cowser Powers Orioles Past Athletics with Key Home Run

Colton Cowser launched a 455-foot home run in the sixth inning, propelling the Baltimore Orioles to a 7-4 victory against the Oakland Athletics on Saturday night.

Ramón Laureano contributed significantly with three hits and three RBIs, while Gunnar Henderson matched him with three hits of his own, marking the Orioles' seventh win in their last eight games.

Returning from a 60-day stint on the injured list, Cowser made an immediate impact, crushing a first-pitch cutter from A's starter Luis Severino (1-6) that soared into the grass beyond the right-field wall.

Keegan Akin (1-0) secured the win after retiring one batter, while Felix Bautista struck out three in the ninth inning, earning his 12th save of the season.

For the Athletics, Jacob Wilson and Lawrence Butler each recorded two hits. Tyler Soderstrom, who leads the team with 14 home runs, walked four times during the game.

Severino struggled on the mound, allowing eight hits and six runs—five of which were earned—over 5 2/3 innings.

The A's capitalized on a chaotic first inning, scoring four runs that featured five hits, a bases-loaded walk, and a ground-rule double that bounced into the stands near third base. Max Schuemann added to the tally with an infield single, sliding under Morton's tag attempt at first base.

The 41-year-old Morton managed to retire seven batters but allowed six hits and issued four walks throughout his outing.

In the fifth inning, JJ Bleday led off with a walk for the Athletics but was thrown out at home plate while attempting to score on Butler's double.

The Orioles' pitching staff combined for 14 strikeouts, extending their streak of games with at least eight strikeouts to 12, the longest active streak in Major League Baseball.

Looking ahead, Orioles right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano (5-3, 3.04 ERA) is set to pitch in the series finale on Sunday, while the Athletics have yet to announce their starting pitcher.