Inside The Orioles

All-Star Closer Locks Down First Save With Baltimore Orioles

Craig Kimbrel finally got his first save with the Baltimore Orioles.

Tyler Maher

Apr 1, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Craig Kimbrel (46) takes the mound in the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Apr 1, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Craig Kimbrel (46) takes the mound in the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. / Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
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It took him a few games longer than expected, but Craig Kimbrel finally earned his first save as a member of the Baltimore Orioles.

The nine-time All-Star secured the Orioles' 5-2 win in Friday's series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. He entered the game with a three-run cushion in the bottom of the ninth and made quick work of the Pirates, retiring all three batters he faced on 13 pitches. Kimbrel struck out two in the scoreless frame, throwing eight of his pitches for strikes.

It was a breezy, efficient outing for Kimbrel, who's made a living out of mowing down opponents in late-game situations.

Now in his 15th MLB season, the 35-year-old flamethrower has racked up 418 career saves, including at least one with all eight franchises that he's played for. He joined Baltimore this winter on a one-year, $13 million deal to replace Felix Bautista, who will miss the entire 2024 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Kimbrel blew his first save opportunity of the season in his Orioles debut against the Kansas City Royals on April 1. He came in with a 4-3 lead but was unable to hold it, allowing the Royals to tie the game. Fortunately for him, Jordan Westburg bailed him out in the bottom of the frame with a walk-off two-run homer, giving Kimbrel the win.

Friday's ending was much less dramatic, as Kimbrel quickly closed out the game without giving Pittsburgh a chance to rally. Baltimore improved to 5-2 with the victory,

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Tyler Maher
TYLER MAHER

Tyler grew up in Massachusetts and is a huge Boston sports fan, especially the Red Sox. He went to Tufts University and played club baseball for the Jumbos. Since graduating, he has worked for MLB.com, The Game Day, FanDuel and Forbes. When he's not writing about baseball, he enjoys running, traveling, and playing fetch with his golden retriever.

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