Orioles’ Stunning Back-to-Back-to-Back Homers Ignite Game-Changing 6-Run Surge Against Padres—Can San Diego Recover?

The clamor at Petco Park was unmistakable as Baltimore Orioles catcher Alex Jackson sent a towering home run sailing deep into center field — much to the chagrin of the San Diego Padres faithful. Those boos weren’t random noise; they marked the frustration of witnessing the Orioles hammer three consecutive homers in a single inning, an intense display that unfolded during Wednesday’s series finale. These blasts came amid a six-run third inning explosion from the so-called basement dwellers of the AL East, the Orioles, proving once again they’re a pesky thorn for the Padres to deal with.

San Diego entered the day struggling, holding a troubling 2-7 record in their last nine games and trailing the NL West-leading Dodgers by 2.5 games. That made Baltimore’s power surge here all the more striking. It started with outfielder Colton Cowser lighting up the park with a 420-foot, three-run shot to right-center field. Next, first baseman Coby Mayo followed up with a 401-foot missile straight to center. Then, like clockwork, Jackson nailed a 406-foot blast on the very next pitch — a sequence that ended Nestor Cortés Jr.’s outing and added to the starter’s rough season, now with three innings this year allowing three homers in one frame. What really stood out: this power came from the sixth, seventh, and eighth hitters—none even batting above .250—yet together, they combined for 22 homers entering this game.

As Jackson’s towering swing sent Cortés off the mound, the Orioles weren’t done. They pressed forward with yet another tally, pushing the lead to a commanding 7-0 via walks, advances, and a clutch single from Ryan Mountcastle. To top it off, a leadoff homer from second baseman Jackson Holliday set the tone early, signaling the Orioles’ intent to dominate San Diego’s lineup in this clash.

This game was a rich reminder that even the underdogs can pack a punch when least expected — and boy, did Baltimore deliver. LEARN MORE

Boos echoed through Petco Park after Baltimore Orioles catcher Alex Jackson deposited a home run to center field. They came from disgruntled San Diego Padres fans who just watched the Orioles go back-to-back-to-back during Wednesday’s series finale.

The three consecutive homers were part of a six-run third inning for the Orioles, AL East bottom dwellers who are the latest thorn in the Padres’ side.

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San Diego came into the day 2-7 in its last nine games and 2.5 games back of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West.

As for Baltimore’s power surge, it delivered a trio of 400-plus-foot home runs.

Outfielder Colton Cowser kicked things off with a 420-foot, three-run dinger to right-center field. Then first baseman Coby Mayo cranked a 401-foot homer to center. Jackson joined the fun the very next pitch, taking a four-seam fastball high in the zone for a 406-foot ride.

That marked the end of Nestor Cortés Jr.’s day on the mound, as well as the third time this season the lefty’s allowed three home runs in an inning.

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Cortés, who started 2025 with Milwaukee before being traded to San Diego on July 31, has now given up 13 home runs in 34 1/3 innings pitched this year.

What’s particularly noteworthy about Baltimore’s third-inning barrage is that it came from the six, seven and eight hitters in Wednesday’s lineup. None of them have batting averages north of .250, and they entered the series finale with a combined 22 big flies.

While Jackson’s homer chased Cortés, Baltimore wasn’t finished scoring that inning. It had one more run in store for the Padres.

After Sean Reynolds issued back-to-back walks, Orioles shortstop Luis Vázquez advanced to third on a foul out. From there, he scored on a single delivered to right by Ryan Mountcastle.

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That pushed Baltimore’s lead to 7-0.

Second baseman Jackson Holliday’s leadoff homer got the Orioles on the board first Wednesday, and it was a good omen for a raking Baltimore lineup in San Diego.