Former Razorback Provides Jolt to Orioles in Pennant Race

As Hogs look for new slugger, alum finally making mark in MLB with his raw powers for Orioles

Baltimore Orioles left fielder Heston Kjerstad (13) hits a three-run home run against the Oakland Athletics during the first inning at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. / D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports

OAKLAND, Calif. — Every coach the "Silent J" has come across has said it. Former Arkansas Razorback and Baltimore Orioles outfielder Heston Kjerstad can hit a baseball a long way.

First, it was Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn and now it's Orioles manager Brandon Hyde.

"The raw power is on another level," Hyde said.

Brandon Hyde on Heston Kjerstad: "The raw power is on another level." #orioles

— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) June 30, 2024

That power was on full display for all Orioles fans to see as Kjerstad deposited a 90 mile an hour cutter from Oakland's Mitch Spence in the first inning 406 feet to give the Orioles a 4-0 lead en route to a 6-3 win, a day after the Baltimore lost to Oakland 19-8.

There’s nothing silent about his bat. pic.twitter.com/RWmlOZut8b

— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) July 7, 2024

Kjerstad may finally be staying in Baltimore for good this time after already being shuffled to Norfolk, Virginia (Orioles AAA affiliate) once this year. Since being recalled June 24, Kjerstad has turned in an 11-for-30 stint with three homers, including on back-to-back nights against the Texas Rangers.

The Orioles system is crowded with the likes of Austin Hays, Cedric Mullins, Kjerstad and Anthony Santander all vying for outfield playing time. Ryan O'Hearn and Adley Rutchman also split time at designated hitter. Kyle Stowers, who has produced in his own right, is still stuck in AAA.

As Arkansas looks for its next feared slugger, the Hogs' most recent one is taking his college success and translating it into MLB power and forcing his way onto the 26-man roster. Just in time for the Orioles, who are stuck in a division race with the New York Yankees ant just two games ahead of New York in the AL East.

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