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Orioles Suffer 24-2 Humiliation Against Reds as Pitching Crisis Reaches Breaking Point
CINCINNATI — The Baltimore Orioles endured one of the most lopsided and demoralizing defeats in recent franchise memory on Sunday afternoon, falling 24–2 to the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. The game quickly spiraled out of control, exposing the Orioles’ increasingly fragile pitching staff and deepening concerns about the rotation’s ability to hold up through the grind of the season.
After the final out, Orioles manager Brandon Hyde didn’t sugarcoat the team’s performance. His postgame comments were blunt and pointed, especially in regard to the club’s starting pitching woes.
“That’s embarrassing,” Hyde said. “When we’re getting four-inning starts, it’s gonna take its toll. That’s not how you win Major League Baseball games.”
The loss capped a disastrous road trip and marked the low point of a season that began with promise but has since veered into turbulent waters.
The Orioles have now lost six of their last eight games and are struggling to find stability on the mound, particularly in the starting rotation.
Morton’s Short Outing Adds to Mounting Concerns
Veteran right-hander Charlie Morton, who signed with Baltimore this offseason after departing the Atlanta Braves in free agency, lasted just 2.1 innings, surrendering seven earned runs on six hits and two walks.
The 41-year-old appeared overmatched from the outset, lacking command and consistency with his fastball and offspeed pitches. His ERA now sits at an alarming 7.36 through six starts.
Morton’s struggles are becoming a recurring issue. Once a dependable mid-rotation presence and postseason performer, he’s now being asked to serve as a frontline starter for a depleted Orioles rotation — a role that seems increasingly beyond his current capabilities.
“Charlie’s been around the game a long time, and he knows when he’s not executing,” Hyde said. “But right now, we need more. We need length, we need leadership on the mound, and we need someone who can stop the bleeding. We’re not getting that.”
While some have speculated that Morton’s mechanics — particularly his arm angle — may be contributing to his struggles, others believe it’s simply the toll of age and mileage catching up with the veteran.
Rotation Ravaged by Injuries
Baltimore’s rotation issues have been exacerbated by a series of key injuries. Kyle Bradish, Grayson Rodriguez, and Zach Eflin are all currently sidelined, forcing the Orioles to lean heavily on Morton and a patchwork staff.
The result has been a string of short starts and an overworked bullpen that’s rapidly approaching its breaking point.
On Sunday, the bullpen fared no better than Morton. Cody Poteet was tagged for seven runs (five earned) over 2.2 innings.
went from bad to worse in the eighth, when infielder Jorge Mateo was pressed into emergency relief duty and promptly gave up a grand slam to Reds outfielder Jake Fraley. Even catcher Gary Sánchez was forced to pitch the ninth inning — a move that underscored just how dire things had become. Sánchez gave up four more runs on three hits, including a two-run double by rookie Noelvi Marte.
“We’re just trying to get through innings at that point,” Hyde said, visibly frustrated. “You hate to see it come to that, but we had no choice.”
Reds Capitalize on Every Mistake
Cincinnati, meanwhile, took full advantage of every mistake the Orioles made. The Reds racked up 24 runs on 21 hits, including five home runs. The offensive onslaught was led by Elly De La Cruz, who homered in the third inning to ignite a seven-run rally that ultimately chased Morton from the game.
Also contributing were Spencer Steer, Tyler Stephenson, and Jeimer Candelario, each of whom drove in multiple runs in what quickly became a rout. The Reds sent 12 batters to the plate in the third inning alone, and never looked back.
What’s Next for the Orioles?
The loss drops Baltimore to 11-12 on the season, and while it’s far too early to panic, the warning signs are impossible to ignore. The Orioles are struggling to find answers in their rotation, and there’s growing pressure on the front office to act — either through a trade or by calling up reinforcements from Triple-A Norfolk.
Names like Chayce McDermott and Cade Povich have been floated as potential call-ups, though it’s unclear if the Orioles want to start the service clocks on their top pitching prospects this early in the season.
For now, though, the Orioles must regroup — and fast. They return home to face the Tampa Bay Rays, and Hyde made it clear that the current level of performance simply won’t cut it.
“This league will humble you quick,” Hyde said. “And if we don’t get better pitching — and soon — we’re going to keep getting humbled.”
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