Orioles Use Power Surge and Brandon Young Gem to Beat Twins 5-2, Keep Season Alive ; Ravens Training Camp Report: Nate Wiggins Injury Scare Overshadows Up-and-Down Day for Baltimore Offense

 

Orioles Use Power Surge and Brandon Young Gem to Beat Twins 5-2, Keep Season Alive

The Baltimore Orioles continued their push toward postseason contention with a strong all-around performance, defeating the Minnesota Twins 5-2 behind early power, another impressive outing from Brandon Young, and a shutdown bullpen performance. The victory moved the Orioles to 58-62 on the season, keeping them within striking distance as they fight to turn their season around during the final stretch.

Baltimore wasted little time putting pressure on Minnesota starter Bailey Ober. The Orioles jumped ahead in the first inning when Pete Alonso delivered another reminder why he has been one of the team's most valuable additions in 2026. Alonso launched a two-run home run to left-center field, a 418-foot blast that scored Gunnar Henderson and gave Baltimore an immediate 2-0 advantage.

The Polar Bear has been exactly what the Orioles hoped for when they brought him to Baltimore. While several players entered the season with expectations they have struggled to meet, Alonso has consistently provided the middle-of-the-order production the lineup needed. His home run gave him 26 homers and 77 RBIs, continuing a strong campaign.

The Orioles offense continued attacking in the second inning. Gunnar Henderson added to the lead with a two-run home run of his own, a 409-foot shot that scored catcher Yohel Pozo and pushed Baltimore ahead 4-0. Henderson finished the night with a huge contribution, going 2-for-5 with a double, home run, two RBIs, and two runs scored.

Baltimore's offense was not limited to its biggest stars. Christian Encarnacion-Strand provided another key moment in the third inning, crushing a solo home run 460 feet to center field. The blast extended the Orioles' lead to 5-1 and gave Baltimore three home runs in the first three innings.

The offensive explosion was exactly what the Orioles needed. Baltimore finished the game with 11 hits, five runs, and five extra-base hits, showing the type of lineup production that has been inconsistent throughout the season.

However, the biggest story of the night was once again Brandon Young.

The right-hander continued his breakout season with another quality start, earning his ninth victory of the year. Young allowed two runs on six hits over six innings, striking out four while walking three. He limited damage when Minnesota threatened and gave the Orioles the dependable starting pitching they have needed throughout the season.

Young improved to 9-3 with a 3.33 ERA, establishing himself as one of Baltimore's most reliable arms. With the Orioles trying to climb back into postseason relevance, his emergence has become one of the biggest positives of the 2026 season.

The Twins attempted to fight back in the third inning when Brooks Lee delivered an RBI double, cutting Baltimore's lead to 5-2. Minnesota had opportunities throughout the game, finishing with seven hits and leaving 10 runners on base, but the Orioles pitching staff consistently escaped trouble.

After Young exited, the Orioles bullpen took over.

Justin Walker, Yennier Cano, and Andrew Kittredge combined for three scoreless innings to protect the lead. Cano recorded his 11th hold of the season, while Kittredge earned his sixth save by closing out the ninth inning without allowing a hit.

The bullpen's performance was especially important because the Twins repeatedly put runners on base but could not deliver the big hit. Minnesota finished just 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position, a major reason Baltimore was able to secure the victory.

From a season perspective, this win was another reminder that the Orioles still have the talent to compete. At 58-62, Baltimore remains below .500, but strong starting pitching, improved offensive performances from players like Alonso and Henderson, and contributions from young players provide reasons for optimism.

The challenge remains consistency. The Orioles have shown flashes of being a competitive team, but they must string together victories to make a serious push in the American League playoff race.

The victory over Minnesota showed the formula Baltimore needs moving forward: elite production from its stars, power throughout the lineup, quality starting pitching, and a bullpen capable of protecting leads.

With the season entering its critical final weeks, every game matters. Brandon Young continues to emerge as a cornerstone of the rotation, Pete Alonso continues proving he was the right addition, and Gunnar Henderson remains one of the faces of the franchise.

The Orioles are not where they expected to be in 2026, but nights like this show why they cannot be counted out yet.

Ravens Training Camp Report: Nate Wiggins Injury Scare Overshadows Up-and-Down Day for Baltimore Offense

The Baltimore Ravens received a major scare during Tuesday’s training camp practice when cornerback Nate Wiggins was carted off the field after suffering an injury during a competitive drill. However, the early news provided a much-needed sense of relief as initial testing showed the young cornerback avoided a potentially serious injury.

According to reports, Wiggins suffered the injury after getting tangled up with rookie wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane during a deep-route drill. The second-year cornerback immediately received attention from the training staff before being helped off the field and taken away on a cart.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that the early belief is Wiggins avoided major damage, with no ligament injury detected. While additional testing will determine the full extent of the issue, the initial update was exactly what the Ravens hoped to hear after watching one of their most important defensive players leave practice.

The injury scare quickly became the biggest storyline of the day, but it came during a practice session where the Ravens offense also experienced some highs and lows.

Baltimore’s offense had an inconsistent performance, showing flashes of explosive ability while also struggling with execution at times. Training camp practices often feature back-and-forth battles between the offense and defense, and Tuesday was no different as both sides had moments to build confidence.

For the Ravens, the development of the offense remains one of the biggest storylines heading into the 2026 season. Quarterback Lamar Jackson continues to lead an explosive unit, but Baltimore is focused on improving consistency, especially with new challenges ahead.

The Ravens have plenty of playmakers capable of changing games. Wide receiver Zay Flowers has been one of the highlights of training camp, continuing to show why he is expected to take another step forward. His speed and ability to create separation have made him one of Lamar Jackson’s favorite targets.

Baltimore is also counting on continued production from veteran tight end Mark Andrews, wide receiver Rashod Bateman, and running back Derrick Henry. The challenge for the offense is finding balance while maximizing the talent across the roster.

While the offense had some struggles during Tuesday’s practice, the defense continued to show why it could be one of the strongest units in the NFL.

The Ravens entered training camp with high expectations for their defense after making significant changes during the offseason. New defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is implementing his system, and the development of the secondary will be a major factor in Baltimore’s success.

That is why the health of Nate Wiggins is so important.

Wiggins started all 17 games last season and quickly established himself as a key part of Baltimore’s defensive future. He finished the year with 76 tackles, three interceptions, and 14 passes defended, proving he can handle the responsibilities of being a top cornerback.

His ability to match up against elite receivers allows the Ravens to be more aggressive with their defensive approach. Alongside veterans Marlon Humphrey and Chidobe Awuzie, Wiggins gives Baltimore one of the more talented cornerback groups in the league.

A significant injury would have created major questions for the secondary. Young defensive backs such as T.J. Tampa, Keyon Martin, and Chandler Rivers could have been asked to take on larger roles if Wiggins missed extended time.

The Ravens also revamped their pass rush this offseason by adding veteran edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. Baltimore’s defensive formula relies on creating pressure up front while trusting the secondary to hold coverage on the back end.

Having Wiggins available is a major part of that plan.

The good news is that Tuesday’s injury appears to be more of a scare than a setback. Until the Ravens announce a full diagnosis and timetable, there will still be some uncertainty, but avoiding ligament damage is a significant positive.

Baltimore cannot afford major injuries to key players before the regular season begins. The Ravens have Super Bowl expectations and need their core players healthy as they prepare for another difficult NFL schedule.

Tuesday’s practice provided a reminder of both the excitement and uncertainty of training camp. The offense showed flashes but still has areas to clean up, while the defense continued preparing under a new system.

Most importantly, the Ravens avoided what could have been a devastating injury to one of their young defensive stars.

Nate Wiggins’ health will remain a storyline to watch, but the early indications are encouraging. For Baltimore, that is the best possible outcome after a frightening moment on the practice field.