Pete Alonso delivered the big swing Baltimore needed. The Orioles erased a two-run deficit and beat the Tampa Bay Rays 5-3 at Camden Yards on Friday, August 21, 2026, with Alonso going 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI to power the comeback. Trevor Rogers earned the win with seven solid innings, and Rico Garcia slammed the door in the ninth for the save in a division contest that went down to the wire.

Pete Alonso Powers Baltimore Comeback Against Tampa Bay

The Rays drew first blood and built a cushion, but Alonso made sure it did not hold. His home run was the centerpiece of a Baltimore offense that tagged Rays starter Freddy Peralta for five earned runs on seven hits across seven innings. Peralta struck out six, but the Orioles kept chipping away and eventually took the lead for good.

Dylan Beavers added a solo shot of his own, going 1-for-3 with a home run and an RBI to give Baltimore another power bat in the mix. Colton Cowser contributed a 2-for-3 night at the top of the order, giving Rogers and the pitching staff something to work with throughout the game.

Trevor Rogers Delivers Seven Innings in a Quality Start

Rogers was not perfect, but he was good enough. The left-hander worked a full seven innings, striking out six while allowing three earned runs on six hits and one walk. He gave up enough contact to keep things interesting, but he also kept Baltimore in a position to win — and that is exactly what the Orioles needed from their starter in a division game.

Andrew Kittredge handled the eighth inning cleanly, striking out two and allowing just one hit while posting a zero. Then Garcia came on in the ninth and was untouchable: two strikeouts, no hits, no walks, and a clean save to close out the 5-3 final.

Rays Could Not Convert Despite Solid Contact

Tampa Bay was not without its opportunities. Ryan Vilade and Junior Caminero each went 2-for-4, and Kenny Piper supplied the bulk of the Rays' offense with a two-run home run. But the Baltimore bullpen held firm after Rogers departed, and Tampa Bay could not manufacture anything beyond that three-run total.

Turning Point: Baltimore's Comeback Flips the Game

The Orioles entered this game facing a two-run deficit at some point during the contest — and the fact that they erased it entirely reflects something tangible about their offensive depth on Friday night. Alonso's home run was the swing that changed the complexion of the game. Once Baltimore took the lead, Rogers steadied, and the bullpen made it stand.

Key Performances at a Glance

  • Pete Alonso: 2-for-4, 1 HR, 3 RBI
  • Dylan Beavers: 1-for-3, 1 HR, 1 RBI
  • Colton Cowser: 2-for-3
  • Trevor Rogers (W): 7.0 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
  • Andrew Kittredge: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 2 K
  • Rico Garcia (SV): 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 2 K
  • Kenny Piper (TB): 1-for-3, 1 HR, 2 RBI

What's Next for the Orioles

Baltimore remains at Camden Yards as the series with Tampa Bay continues. The Orioles will look to build on Friday's win and extend their advantage in what has been a competitive division matchup. With the bullpen looking sharp and the lineup showing it can rally from behind, this club heads into the weekend with momentum on its side.