The Baltimore Orioles made history on Saturday with a thrilling 6–5 victory over the Texas Rangers, propelling them to the top of the American League East standings. While the win was crucial for the team, it also marked a significant milestone in franchise history.
Anthony Santander’s second-inning home run off Michael Lorenzen was Baltimore’s 59th homer in June, setting a new team record for most home runs in a calendar month. Santander’s 13th homer of the month also established an individual franchise record for most home runs in June, surpassing legendary sluggers like Chris Davis, Albert Belle, Rafael Palmeiro, and Boog Powell.
With 22 homers this season, Santander has a shot at breaking the Orioles’ all-time record for homers in a calendar month. However, he would need to hit three more on Sunday to surpass Jim Gentile and Harlond Clift, as reported by MLB.com’s Sarah Langs.
In addition to Santander’s impressive performance, Heston Kjerstad delivered a game-changing grand slam in the fifth inning, further boosting Baltimore’s total to 60 home runs in June. This achievement makes the Orioles only the third team in MLB history to reach this milestone in a single month, with a chance to tie or even surpass the 2023 Atlanta Braves’ record.
While the all-time record of 74 home runs in a month may be out of reach, the Orioles’ remarkable power surge has solidified their position as a force to be reckoned with in the AL East. With the New York Yankees faltering in June, the Orioles have taken the lead in the division, showcasing their dominance on the field.
It’s clear that the Orioles’ historic performance in June has not only captivated fans but also solidified their status as a formidable contender in the American League. With each swing of the bat, they are rewriting the record books and making a statement to the rest of the league.