Jackson Holliday made quite the comeback to major league baseball with a fifth-inning home run that gave the Baltimore Orioles a 10-4 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday.
It was the first home run of Holliday’s career; it was his first game since being sent back to the minors after going 2-for-34 with 18 strikeouts earlier this season.
“I just tried to keep it simple,” Holliday said. “Last time I was here, I tried to do too much.”
The first overall pick in the 2022 draft was retired twice before sending the ball over the fence with the bases loaded. His grand slam gave the Orioles an 8-3 lead.
“We saw it last spring. I think he hit a couple of home runs then against us, too,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. “I know it didn’t go his way when he first started, but he’s the No. 1 prospect for a reason.”
Colton Cowser also homered for the Orioles, as did Addison Barger for the Blue Jays.
Grayson Rodriguez (13-4) allowed three runs and six hits in six innings for the Orioles. He struck out eight batters and walked three.
Paolo Espino (0-1) allowed four runs on five hits in four innings.
The Orioles’ Ryan Mountcastle had a two-run triple in the first, two innings before Cowser’s solo homer.
The Blue Jays will have Thursday off before starting a three-game road series against the New York Yankees. Kevin Gausman (9-8) will take the mound for the Blue Jays on Friday night, facing Marcus Stroman (7-5).