Jackson Holliday delivered a clutch game-winning homer to seal the Orioles’ sweep over the Braves, capping off a dominant series in Atlanta where Baltimore’s pitching stifled the Braves’ offense. Trevor Rogers shined once again with 6.2 scoreless innings, extending his remarkable comeback season with a 1.57 ERA.

The Braves’ offensive struggles continued, managing just one run in the finale despite strong outings from Grant Holmes. Adley Rutschman’s electrifying reaction to Holliday’s blast highlighted the Orioles’ rising momentum as they head toward the All-Star break with newfound confidence.

Jackson Holliday’s game-winning homer sparks Orioles’ sweep as Braves struggle with offensive woes – how did Adley Rutschman react?

Why is Jackson Holliday’s swing adjustment making headlines?

Jackson Holliday’s recent two-run homer against the Braves wasn’t just a game-winner—it was the culmination of a swing adjustment that’s turning him into a force at the plate. After flattening his swing following advice from his father, Matt Holliday, the young Orioles infielder is hitting .410 with a 1.114 OPS over his last ten games. The mechanical tweak has reduced his strikeout rate to 22.2%, a stark improvement from earlier struggles.

The results speak for themselves: Holliday now has 11 homers and 36 RBIs in 82 games, emerging as Baltimore’s everyday leadoff hitter. His two-run blast off Atlanta’s pitching was the difference-maker in Sunday’s 2-1 victory, completing a sweep that showcased his growing influence.

Holliday’s adjustments remind me of Manny Machado’s early years—when a mechanical tweak unlocked his power.

Do you think he’ll sustain this level, or is it a hot streak?

The plate discipline improvements suggest it’s sustainable. He’s not just swinging harder—he’s swinging smarter.

How bad is the Braves’ offensive slump really?

Atlanta’s lineup looked unrecognizable in Sunday’s loss, with Ronald Acuña Jr., Michael Harris II, and Marcell Ozuna all benched for the early start. The Braves managed just five hits, with Sean Murphy’s ninth-inning homer their lone run. It extended a troubling trend: Atlanta has scored 2 or fewer runs in 40% of their July games.

Key issues:

• OPS down 55 points from June (.768 to .713)
• Strikeout rate up 7% month-over-month
• Ranked 25th in runs scored since All-Star break

Should Snitker have started his stars despite the early game?

Resting three middle-of-the-order bats simultaneously was managerial malpractice—especially against a surging opponent.

Did Adley Rutschman break his silence on Orioles’ struggles?

The Orioles’ franchise catcher finally addressed the team’s early-season woes after Sunday’s win. Rutschman, who hit back-to-back with Gunnar Henderson during Baltimore’s recent six-game streak, admitted the clubhouse was “in disbelief” during their May slump. His leadership has been pivotal during the turnaround, evidenced by his .891 OPS since June.

Rutschman’s resurgence mirrors the team’s: After batting just .214 in April, he’s hit .302 since July 1 with 9 extra-base hits. His handling of Trevor Rogers’ gem (6.2 scoreless innings) further underscored his defensive value.

Is Trevor Rogers the Orioles’ most underrated pickup?

Rogers’ Sunday performance (6.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R) marked his second straight dominant outing since returning from injury. The lefty has allowed just 1 earned run across 13.2 July innings, filling a critical rotation gap. His sinker velocity (94.6 mph avg.) is the highest since his 2021 All-Star season.

Could he be trade bait if the Orioles fall back?

At this rate, they’ll extend him. That sinker plays too well in Camden Yards.

Why did All-Star voters snub Jackson Holliday?

Despite his recent tear, Holliday was omitted from NL All-Star reserves—a decision that raised eyebrows given his historic pace. The 21-year-old is just the fourth Oriole with multiple four-hit games before age 22 (joining Machado, Robinson, Murray). His exclusion leaves Ryan O’Hearn as Baltimore’s sole representative.

Potential reasons for the snub:

• Early-season struggles skewed full-season stats
• AL second base competition (Semien, Altuve)
• “Prove it” mentality toward rookies

Should MLB adjust All-Star voting to account for recent performance?

They’ll say “small sample size,” but hot streaks drive narratives—and TV ratings.

What’s next for the surging Orioles?

Baltimore’s sweep of Atlanta extended their win streak to six games, their longest of 2025. The rotation’s 2.89 July ERA ranks third in MLB, while Holliday’s emergence has stabilized the leadoff spot. With series against weaker AL East foes upcoming, the Orioles could vault back into contention.

Key upcoming matchups:

• 3 vs Red Sox (MLB-worst 5.08 bullpen ERA)
• 4 vs Yankees (Stanton on IL)