Orioles 9-7 Comeback Win vs Diamondbacks: JJ Jackson Powers Rally, Craig Albernaz Hit by Foul Ball, Ryan Mountcastle Injury Update; 9 Realistic Baltimore Ravens Targets With 9 Days Until the 2027 NFL Draft

 

Orioles 9-7 Comeback Win vs Diamondbacks: JJ Jackson Powers Rally, Craig Albernaz Hit by Foul Ball, Ryan Mountcastle Injury Update

    The box score tells the story of a wild, momentum-swinging game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Baltimore Orioles, but it only hints at the chaos that unfolded in the dugouts and on the field. A 9–7 Orioles win featured towering home runs, a bullpen collapse, a late offensive explosion—and an unsettling moment involving Craig Albernaz getting struck by a foul ball, along with ongoing concern surrounding Ryan Mountcastle’s injury situation.

From the outset, Arizona looked firmly in control. Ketel Marte set the tone immediately, launching a leadoff home run in the first inning and adding another in the third. His two-homer performance gave the Diamondbacks early breathing room and exposed Baltimore starter Dean Kremer, who, despite striking out nine, surrendered three home runs across five innings. When Nolan Arenado joined the power surge with a two-run homer in the fourth and a three-run blast in the sixth, Arizona had built what looked like a commanding 7–1 lead.

At that point, the box score suggests dominance: 10 hits, four home runs, and just three runners left on base. Arizona was efficient, capitalizing on limited opportunities (2-for-5 with runners in scoring position) and getting game-breaking swings from its stars. But baseball games aren’t played on paper—they hinge on timing, sequencing, and bullpen stability. That’s where things unraveled.

The sixth inning flipped everything. Baltimore erupted for five runs, turning a blowout into a one-run game almost instantly. JJ Jackson delivered the biggest blow—a grand slam that electrified the dugout and stadium. Jackson finished with two home runs and five RBIs, accounting for more than half of Baltimore’s offense. His performance alone reshaped the outcome, and his timing—coming directly after Arenado’s second homer—made it even more dramatic.

Arizona’s pitching line underscores the collapse. Starter Ryne Nelson was effective (5.1 IP, 1 ER), but the bullpen faltered badly. Tayler Rashi allowed four runs in just two-thirds of an inning, and Jonathan Loáisiga took the loss after giving up two more, including a go-ahead homer in the seventh. The Orioles capitalized on every mistake, turning just eight hits into nine runs thanks to power and patience (four walks).

Baltimore’s response in the seventh inning sealed the comeback. Pete Alonso crushed a two-run homer to flip the score to 8–7, and Jackson added insurance with a solo shot in the eighth. From there, the bullpen locked it down. Ryan Helsley recorded his fifth save, striking out two in a clean ninth inning.

While the on-field action was dramatic, one of the most concerning moments came off the field. During the game, Orioles coach Craig Albernaz was struck by a foul ball in the dugout, a reminder of how little protection exists in those areas despite the speed and unpredictability of line drives. Though initial reports suggested he remained conscious, the incident cast a shadow over the game and highlighted ongoing safety concerns for players and staff. Dugouts, often seen as safe zones, can quickly become dangerous when balls are hit at over 100 mph with minimal reaction time.

Adding to the Orioles’ concerns is the status of Ryan Mountcastle. Though not in this box score, his injury looms large over the team’s offensive outlook. Mountcastle has been a key middle-of-the-order presence, and any extended absence would force Baltimore to reshuffle its lineup. Players like Alonso and Jackson stepped up in this game, but sustaining that level of production over time is a different challenge. The Orioles’ ability to remain competitive may depend on how quickly Mountcastle can return and how effectively they can patch the gap in the meantime.

From a broader perspective, this game showcased the volatility of modern baseball. Arizona hit four home runs and scored seven runs—numbers that typically secure a win. Yet Baltimore’s three-homer outburst, combined with timely hitting and bullpen execution, proved decisive. The Orioles also demonstrated resilience, erasing a six-run deficit against a team that had controlled most of the early innings.

Defensively, both teams had minor miscues—each committing one error—but neither played a decisive role compared to the offensive fireworks. Instead, the difference came down to bullpen performance and clutch hitting. Baltimore went 3-for-8 with runners in scoring position, while Arizona had fewer chances late and couldn’t respond after losing the lead.

In the end, the box score captures a thrilling comeback, but it doesn’t fully convey the emotional swings: the early dominance by Arizona, the explosive sixth inning by Baltimore, the tension following Albernaz’s injury scare, and the looming uncertainty around Mountcastle. It was a game that had everything—power, drama, adversity, and resilience—and one that both teams will remember for very different reasons.

Realistic Baltimore Ravens Targets With 9 Days Until the 2027 NFL Draft

    With just nine days until the 2027 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens are once again in a familiar position—fine-tuning a playoff-caliber roster while searching for high-upside talent that fits their physical, disciplined identity. Holding the No. 14 pick in this projection, Baltimore has several realistic directions it could go depending on how the board falls. Based on your list, here are nine legitimate targets who make sense for the Ravens right now.

First is Olaivavega Ioane out of Penn State, slotted at No. 14 in this mock. Interior offensive line has quietly become a priority for Baltimore, especially with the need to keep Lamar Jackson protected up the middle. Ioane brings power, balance, and positional versatility—traits the Ravens covet. He could step in immediately at guard and solidify the run game.

At tackle, Kadyn Proctor remains one of the most intriguing options if he slides. His elite size and athleticism make him a long-term cornerstone. Even if Baltimore isn’t desperate at tackle, the chance to draft a high-end protector for Jackson could be too good to pass up.

Defensively, Reuben Bain Jr. is a name that continues to gain traction. The Miami edge rusher is explosive off the line and plays with relentless energy. The Ravens rotate pass rushers heavily, and Bain fits perfectly into that system as a disruptive presence. Bain may be the best player in the draft.

Another edge option is Cashius Howell from Texas A&M. Howell offers a slightly different profile—length and power over pure burst—but still aligns with Baltimore’s defensive philosophy of building depth in the front seven.

In the secondary, the Ravens could look at Mansoor Delane from LSU. Known for his physicality and press coverage ability, Delane fits the mold of Ravens corners who can match up against big AFC receivers. Adding a player like him would reinforce a unit that’s always central to Baltimore’s success.

Another cornerback option is Jermod McCoy out of Tennessee. McCoy brings fluid movement skills and strong instincts in coverage. If the Ravens want a more agile, playmaking defensive back, he could be the choice.

Similarly, Avieon Terrell from Clemson offers upside with his athleticism and ball skills. Baltimore has never been shy about drafting multiple defensive backs, and Terrell could develop into a key contributor in sub-packages early in his career.

At safety, Caleb Downs stands out as one of the most complete defenders in this class. His range, tackling, and football IQ make him a potential centerpiece on defense. If he somehow falls within reach, the Ravens would strongly consider him as a long-term anchor in the secondary. But do we need yet another safety?

Finally, at wide receiver, both Carnell Tate and Jordyn Tyson present intriguing options. Tate is a polished route runner with reliable hands, while Tyson offers more explosiveness and big-play ability. Baltimore’s offense continues to evolve, and adding another weapon for Lamar Jackson could elevate the passing game.

As draft day approaches, the Ravens’ priorities are becoming clearer: reinforce the offensive line, maintain defensive depth, and add playmakers where possible. Whether it’s a plug-and-play guard like Ioane, a high-upside tackle like Proctor, or a defensive difference-maker like Downs or Bain, Baltimore has multiple strong options.

The key will be flexibility. The Ravens have built their reputation on letting the board come to them rather than reaching for need. With nine viable targets on the table, they’re well-positioned to land an impact player who fits their system and helps sustain their status as one of the NFL’s most consistent contenders.