Orioles Rookie Brandon Young Flirts With History, Secures First MLB Win
August 16, 2025, 10:54 PM ET
Baltimore Orioles rookie right-hander Brandon Young experienced a dramatic turnaround on Friday night, coming mere outs away from etching his name in baseball history before securing his first Major League Baseball win in a commanding 7-0 shutout of the Houston Astros.
The 26-year-old pitcher had been seeking to rebound from a challenging previous outing on August 9th, where he surrendered six runs in three innings against the Athletics, pushing his record to 0-6 and his ERA to 6.70. “Honestly, it’s easier said than done, trying to flush bad outings like that,” Young admitted. “But just looking forward to the next [start] and trying to prepare myself.”
A Near-Perfect Dream
Young’s resilience was on full display as he navigated through the Astros’ lineup with remarkable precision. He carried a perfect game into the eighth inning, a feat that would have been the first in the storied history of the Baltimore Orioles franchise.
The bid for perfection was ultimately broken with two outs in the eighth inning when former teammate Ramon Urias hit a ground ball towards the mound. Young, attempting to field the ball with his bare hand, made an off-balanced throw that sailed wide of first base, resulting in an infield single for Urias. “I thought I could make the play,” Young reflected. “I got there in time. I think I had a little more time to maybe take a step and make a better throw. Obviously, rushed it, yanked it. … Definitely want it back.”
this near-perfect performance marks the longest perfect game attempt for the Orioles as Mike Mussina’s bid was broken up with two outs in the eighth inning against Detroit in 1998, according to ESPN research.
Dominant Performance Secures First Win
Despite the heartbreaking end to his perfect game bid, Young showcased his grit by recovering to strike out Taylor Trammell with a sizzling 96 mph fastball. This crucial out preserved the shutout and completed his notable eighth inning.
Young finished the game with his first win, matching his career high with six strikeouts, and substantially lowering his earned run average to 5.68. Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman lauded Young’s performance, stating, “He was throwing all of his pitches for strikes, behind in counts, ahead in counts.Was able to mix locations well. Thought he just executed his plan really well.”
Did You know?
Before Urias’ single, only Yainer Diaz had recorded an exit velocity over 100 mph against Young, and a mere three Astros batters forced him into a three-ball count, highlighting the pitcher’s efficiency.
Young acknowledged the pressure of pitching a perfect game, admitting, “It’s really hard not to think about it. It’s kind of just trying to calm yourself down and think about just one pitch at a time. Kind of breathe, calm myself down a little bit, but I could tell what was happening.”
| statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Innings Pitched | 8.0 |
| Strikeouts | 6 (Tied Career High) |
| Earned run Average (Post-Game) | 5.68 |
| Record | 1-6 |
| Perfect Game Bid Broken | 2 Outs, 8th Inning |
Hometown Hero
For Young, a native of Lumberton, Texas, the game held extra significance. His parents and grandfather were in attendance at Daikin Park, a venue where he first developed his love for baseball as a child.
Pro Tip for Aspiring Pitchers
Young’s ability to recover after a tough outing and deliver a stellar performance underscores the importance of mental resilience. Focusing on one pitch at a time and effective planning are key strategies for overcoming adversity on the mound.
The Art of the Near Miss: What Makes a Nearly Perfect Game memorable?
Brandon Young’s performance against the Astros serves as a poignant reminder of how close athletes can come to achieving legendary status. In baseball,a no-hitter or a perfect game represents the pinnacle of pitching artistry. These rare achievements require not only exceptional skill but also a touch of luck and unwavering focus.
Even when history is narrowly missed, such games become iconic. They showcase the dedication and talent of athletes, offering fans unforgettable moments of suspense and brilliance. The mental fortitude required to maintain such a streak, as Young demonstrated, is a testament to the athlete’s character. This ability to regroup and secure a win after such a dramatic event is frequently enough as celebrated as the near-perfect feat itself.
For pitchers,understanding the psychological aspects of the game is as crucial as mastering their mechanics. Learning to manage pressure, stay present in the moment, and bounce back from setbacks are vital skills for sustained success. As Young’s experiance illustrates, even a moment of imperfection doesn’t negate an otherwise masterful performance.
Are you inspired by athletes who overcome adversity, or do you focus more on the final accomplishment?
What are your thoughts on the mental game in professional sports?
Frequently Asked Questions about Brandon Young’s Performance
- What was Brandon Young’s record before his win against the Astros?
- Brandon Young’s record was 0-6 prior to his victory against the Houston Astros.
- How close was Brandon Young to pitching a perfect game?
- Brandon Young was four outs away from pitching a perfect game when his bid was broken up in the eighth inning.
- Who broke up Brandon Young’s perfect game bid?
- Former teammate ramon Urias broke up Brandon Young’s perfect game bid with an infield single.
- What was Brandon Young’s ERA entering his start against the Astros?
- Brandon young’s ERA was 6.70 entering his start against the Houston Astros.
- When was the last time an orioles pitcher had a similar bid for a perfect game?
- The last time an Orioles pitcher had a similar bid was in 1998 when Mike Mussina’s perfect game was broken up in the eighth inning.
- What is considered a rare achievement in baseball pitching?
- A no-hitter or a perfect game is considered a rare and notable achievement in baseball pitching.
