Charlie Morton Delivers For Baltimore Orioles In 5-2 Victory

Entering the game, Morton was 0-7 with an ERA north of 7 at 7.68. Well, his outing ticked down his ERA a bit yet it's still above 7 at 7.09. That's a little good news as the Baltimore pitching staff, over the past three games, has just allowed two runs in 17 2/3 innings. 

Charlie Morton had a solid quality start for the Orioles, something the team needed

For the veteran right-hander, though, finding a way to get his first victory of the season had to have been a big lift. He had an awful April, something Morton addressed in postgame comments.

"To have the performances that I had ... and to have the game just kind of slap you in the face, gut-punch every single time, it’s tough," Morton said, Orioles reporter Jacob Calvin Meyer reported for the Baltimore Sun. 

Morton gave up a two-run homer to St. Louis' Pedro Pagés in the fifth inning. Morton (41 years, 15 days old) became the oldest pitcher in Baltimore history (since 1954) to record a quality start, MLB.com reported.

Speaking of lifts, the Orioles are now in the midst of a three-game winning streak. It's the first one that Baltimore has put together this season, giving interim manager Tony Mansolino and his players a reason for hope.

Félix Bautista pitched the ninth inning for his eighth save in nine chances, The Associated Press reported. Bautista followed Baltimore relievers Seranthony Dominguez and Yennier Cano on the mound.

Carlson had spent four-plus seasons with the Cardinals in his career. 

He was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in July 2024, but now is trying to put together a good season for Baltimore. He, too, has struggled by going 6-for-34 so far for the Orioles. Yet Carlson slammed his second homer in as many days.

Tomoyuki Sugano (4-3) gets a Tuesday night start for the Orioles against St. Louis' Andre Pallante (4-3).