Henderson’s huge home run propels Orioles to 4-3 win over Cubs

CHICAGO–What happened? After trading two of their most potent hitters, Ramón Laureano and Ryan O’Hearn, at the trade deadline, the Orioles’ offense had been silent for 16 innings at Wrigley Field.

After scoring 60 runs in the previous six games heading into Thursday’s deadline, the Orioles were nearly shut out for the second consecutive time against the Chicago Cubs, but Gunnar Henderson’s three-run home run in the eighth inning helped turn the game around and gave the Orioles a 4-3 win over the Chicago Cubs before 40,781 at Wrigley Field on Saturday.

Chicago starter Matthew Boyd threw seven strong innings, giving up four hits, striking out eight without a walk.

In the eighth, Colton Cowser walked against Ryan Brasier. Jeremiah Jackson singled, and after Terrin Vavra lined to short, Jackson Holliday hit into a force play. Cowser scored on Jordan Westburg’s single against Caleb Thielbar (2-3), and Henderson hit a three-run home run to center, his 13^th of the season, to put the Orioles (51-60) in front, 4-3.

“That’s a huge homer,” interim manager Tony Mansolino said. “We’ve talked a lot about that core group of players has to be the group that kind of drives this thing, and you think about Jackson hits a ground ball right there to the shortstop, beats out a double play.

“He doesn’t jog down the line, he busts his butt down the line, keeps the inning going. Westburg, the opposite-field, two-strike knock right there. Then obviously, the big blow comes from Gunnar.”

Grant Wolfram (2-0) threw a scoreless seventh. Yennier Cano a spotless eighth and Keegan Akin walked two batters in the ninth, but struck out Pete Crow-Armstrong for the final out and his first save of the season.

“We are proud of Keegan,” Mansolino said. “He’s one of those guys that even in the toughest of moments right there, his heart doesn’t speed up a whole lot … pumped for Keegan, that’s a big deal right there.”

The Orioles lost, 1-0, on Friday and were shut out until the eighth inning. The last time the Orioles had been shut out in consecutive games was last July 10^th and 11^th when the Cubs blanked them at Camden Yards.

Oriole starter Tomoyuki Sugano, whose name was mentioned in trade talks, allowed three runs on five hits in five innings. Chicago scored twice in the second inning on an RBI double by Nico Hoerner and a sacrifice by Reese McGuire. Hoerner drove in Castro, who tripled in the fourth, with a single to give the Cubs (65-45) a 3-0 lead.

“Obviously, this was my first time going through the trade stuff,” Sugano said through his translator. “But I’m glad I stayed. I’m really fond of this team and want to continue to win with the young players over here.”

How big was Henderson’s hit? Mansolino keeps mentioning how important the remaining group of core players is, and Henderson will have to play an even bigger role.

“Yeah, I mean, it’s obviously tough, especially losing the guys that we did. But just got to move along, look ahead. And, yeah, just glad to come through today,” Henderson said.

He seemed especially excited when he was nearing second base.

“In the time, you’re just trying to take a good swing and not try to do too much in that situation,” he said. “I was able to get one over the plate and get the job done. But, yeah, that one’s pretty special.”

Henderson’s average is up to .285 with an .823 OPS, and he has a good chance to win his third consecutive Most Valuable Oriole award.

“I mean, that’s one of the best teams in the National League right there, and we were able to string together that inning,” he said. “It happens quick and we’ve proven we can do that. So, it’s just a matter of getting some of the new guys comfortable here, and I know that they’re going to be a big part of what we do.”

How did Cowser play? Despite the loss and a hitless day,  Cowser played an excellent left field. In the bottom of the first, he leaped and caught leadoff batter Michael Busch’s drive in the ivy in left field. In the third, he made a spectacular play, snaring a foul ball off Kyle Tucker. In the second, he nearly made a diving play on Willi Castro’s sinking liner that went for a single.

“I wish I would have come away with the one coming in front of me,” Cowser said. “Trying to find a way to be productive if I’m not being productive at the plate. Just trusting my instincts out there, remaining aggressive, but not stupid.”

It was Cowser’s second game at a tricky park to play left field.

“There’s a brick wall behind the ivy, but I took a good enough route to try and elevate there and came down with it,” he said.

Roster move: The Orioles claimed first baseman/outfielder Ryan Noda off waivers from the Chicago White Sox and optioned him to Triple-A Norfolk.

Noda was 3-for-34 (.088) with a home run and RBI this season. He played the previous two seasons for Oakland and in 2023, hit .229 with a .770 OPS, 16 home runs, 54 RBIs.

The Orioles have 36 players on their 40-man roster.

What does it mean? It was a big win since the Orioles’ offense was so quiet and Henderson, a key remaining player, came through with a big hit.

What’s the stat of the day? The Orioles are 3-47 when trailing after seven innings.

What’s the word? “It was only 18? It felt like 45.”-Mansolino on breaking the scoreless streak dating from the last two innings of Wednesday’s loss.

What’s going on in the minor leagues? Double-A Chesapeake released right-handers Kyle Virbitsky and Robinson Martinez, and left-hander Raul Alcantara.

What’s next? The Orioles and Cubs play the final game of their three-game series on Sunday. Brandon Young (0-5. 6.63) will face Colin Rae (8-5, 4.25) at 2:20 p.m.

Call for questions: Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. Please send yours to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com