Cuban Jorge Soler homered, Touki Toussaint pitched effectively into the sixth inning, and the resurgent Atlanta Braves defeated Baltimore 3-1, extending the Orioles’ losing streak to 18.
This is the major league losing streak since Kansas City suffered 19 losses in a row in 2005. It was only the third time during that span that the Orioles lost by two runs or less.
Adam Duvall had a two-run RBI double for the Braves, who have won nine in a row and 16 of their last 18 games. Atlanta started the day five games ahead of Philadelphia in the top of the NL East.
The Braves have also won 13 straight road games, representing a franchise record.
Toussaint (3-2) allowed one run and five hits in 5 1/3 innings. He walked three and struck out five. Atlanta used five relievers, with Will Smith scoring his 28th save in 32 chances.
John Means (5-6) spaced three runs and four hits in six innings in taking the loss.
For the Braves, Cubans Jorge Soler 4-2 with one run scored and one produced; and Guillermo Heredia 3-1. Venezuelan William Contreras 4-0.
For the Orioles, Venezuelan Anthony Santander 4-1. The Dominicans Jorge Mateo 3-1, Maikel Franco 1-0 and Pedro Severino 1-0. AP (HN)