The Cubs brought the bats and the baserunning to Haske Field on Tuesday, overpowering the Orioles in a 14–8 slugfest that saw fireworks early and often.
It didn’t take long for the Cubs to strike. In the top of the first, Luke W. lifted a sacrifice fly to open the scoring. The Orioles quickly answered in the bottom half when Brandon D. lined a single to left, knotting the score at one apiece.
But from there, the Cubs took control.
A daring steal of home in the second inning pushed the Cubs back in front, and they never looked back. The top of the third proved explosive, as Walker T. ripped a bases-clearing double to deep center. Luke W. followed with a triple, and a passed ball tacked on another run to cap a five-run frame.
The onslaught continued in the fourth. With the Orioles struggling on the mound, a wild pitch plated two, and Levi B. made them pay with a clutch single that drove in three more. Another five-run inning gave the Cubs a commanding 12–1 lead.
To their credit, the Orioles refused to fold. They rallied for five runs in the fifth, sparked by Harrison M.’s two-run single and a bases-loaded walk drawn by Bryce M. A passed ball added to the damage, showing the Orioles could manufacture runs even without consistent hitting.
Jack T. got the start for the Cubs, delivering a strong outing with four innings of two-hit ball. He allowed just one earned run while striking out eight. Cash R. took the mound for the Orioles, striking out three in two innings but running into trouble with command, issuing three walks and giving up four runs, two of them earned.
Offensively, the Cubs spread the wealth. Walker, Levi, Luke, Lachlan C., David F., and Reilly C. all notched hits. Walker led the way with three RBIs and drew two walks, showcasing patience at the plate. In total, the Cubs worked ten free passes and stole six bases, with Ryder S. swiping two. Luke W. also delivered a highlight moment, tossing an immaculate inning in the sixth—striking out the side on just nine pitches.
The Orioles found bright spots in Harrison, Lucas H., and Brandon, each recording a hit. Harrison and Brandon both drove in runs, and Bryce M. drew a team-high two walks. The Orioles flashed speed on the bases with seven stolen bags and showed defensive discipline, going error-free behind their pitching staff.
Despite the late push, the Cubs’ early explosion proved too much to overcome as they cruised to a decisive 14–8 win.