Samuel Basallo hits a go-ahead, two-run homer in the eighth inning, and the Baltimore Orioles defeat the Kansas City Royals 5-3 in the opening game of a three-game series between two last-place teams. Baltimore adds to its lead after falling behind earlier in the game, with Blaze Alexander also contributing a home run. For Kansas City, Jac Caglianone and Isaac Collins each hit solo home runs, accounting for the Royals’ offense in the loss. The Royals enter the game in a difficult stretch, having lost three straight and 11 of their past 15 games heading into the series opener. Baltimore’s late surge—centered on Basallo’s two-run shot—breaks the game open and ensures the Orioles take the first game of the matchup. The victory gives Baltimore the advantage early in the three-game set, while Kansas City looks to respond in the next games after a fifth consecutive defeat in their recent run.