Orioles Rally Past Cardinals to Stay in Wild-Card Race

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Orioles Rally Past Cardinals to Stay in Wild-Card Race

22 sourcesUpdated Aug 29, 2026

The Baltimore Orioles outlasted the St. Louis Cardinals 8-7 after Christian Encarnacion-Strand delivered a tiebreaking RBI double in the ninth, with Pete Alonso homering and a three-run first inning helping Baltimore build an early lead. Alonso’s 32nd homer and a six-run fifth by St. Louis highlighted a seesaw game before the Orioles held on. Kyle Bradish struggled over 4 1/3 innings, but five Orioles relievers worked 4 2/3 scoreless, and Andrew Kittredge earned the save. Encarnacion-Strand’s ninth-inning double scored Luis Vázquez to keep Baltimore within 2 1/2 games of the AL wild-card race as the series heads to a finale yet to be determined. In a related note, Basallo provided a clutch pinch-hit two-run homer for Baltimore in a separate win over Tampa Bay, underscoring the club’s depth down the stretch.

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Blaze Alexander returns, Orioles prepare for Athletics series

In a 4-3 win over the Athletics, Craig Albernaz highlighted Alex Hoppe's save and Brandon Young's efficient start, while Trevor Rogers was roughed up by homers, prompting Baltimore to focus on limiting long balls down the stretch. The Orioles began a three-game series in Sacramento with Blaze Alexander back in the lineup, Gunnar Henderson resting, and Jackson Holliday moving into the leadoff spot as the team looks to capitalize on a favorable slate against the A's and Rockies.

10 sources

Photo: Mogami Kariya / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

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Mancini plans to retire as Orioles Sept. 19

Aug 29, 2026Aug 29, 2026

Aug 29, 2026Samuel Basallo's pinch-hit two-run homer and Dylan Beavers' pinch-hit double lift the Orioles to a 3-2 extra-innings win, extending Baltimore's wild-card push.
Aug 29, 2026Trey Mancini announces he will retire as an Oriole, signing a one-day contract for a Sept. 19 ceremony at Camden Yards capping his eight-year MLB career.
Aug 29, 2026The Orioles begin a three-game series in Sacramento against the Athletics, with Blaze Alexander back in the lineup and Jackson Holliday moving to leadoff.

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Broke News Break · Aug 23, 1:44 AMLeft within the hourCenter +4dRight +6d22 sources +6d on

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Left· 6 sources

“Encarnacion-Strand hits tiebreaking RBI double in the 9th as Orioles outlast Cardinals 8-7”

Las Vegas Sun · Aug 27, 2026

Center· 2 sources

“Orioles take on the Cardinals after Encarnacion-Strand's 4-hit game”

LNP - LancasterOnline · Aug 27, 2026

Right· 1 source

“Orioles bring 1-0 series lead over Athletics into game 2”

Champaign News-Gazette · Aug 29, 2026

Coverage

Las Vegas SunLean LeftEncarnacion-Strand hits tiebreaking RBI double in the 9th as Orioles outlast Cardinals 8-7

LNP - LancasterOnlineCenterOrioles take on the Cardinals after Encarnacion-Strand's 4-hit game

Champaign News-GazetteLean RightOrioles bring 1-0 series lead over Athletics into game 2

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Trey Mancini will retire as a Baltimore Oriole, signing a one-day contract for a Sept. 19 ceremony at Camden Yards to cap an eight-year MLB career that included a 2021 Comeback Player of the Year honor after his battle with Stage 3 colon cancer in 2020. The ceremony honors his time with the Orioles, his brief return with the Angels and other teams, and his World Series title with the Astros in 2022, with proceeds and tributes supporting cancer charities and his foundation.

5 sources

Photo: Baltimore County Government / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

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Holliday three-hit night powers Orioles rout Cardinals

Jackson Holliday supplied three hits as the Orioles routed the Cardinals 13-1 in St. Louis, aiming to fuel a late-season push as he works to rebound from a slower August and move back into a top-of-the-order role. The series at Busch Stadium highlighted his family ties, with his father Matt Holliday watching and sharing memories, as Baltimore remains within striking distance of a wild-card spot.

5 sources