Cowser and McCann homer twice as Orioles rout Tigers 7-1 to build on AL wild card lead

BALTIMORE (AP) — Colton Cowser hit his 21st and 22nd home runs, James McCann added his sixth and seventh and the Orioles went deep a season-high five times in a 7-1 win over the Detroit Tigers on Friday night.

Baltimore remained four games behind the AL East-leading New York Yankees and opened a four-game lead over Kansas City for the top AL wild card. Detroit fell one game behind Minnesota for the final AL wild card.

Anthony Santander contributed his 43rd round-tripper — his second in as many games — off Tigers opener Tyler Holton (7-2) as the Orioles won consecutive games for the first time in more than two weeks.

“We’ve played good baseball the last two days,” said Corbin Burnes (15-8), who pitched seven shutout innings for a second time in as many games against Detroit. "So now it's just about keeping it going and playing our baseball, and not worrying about what's going on (elsewhere)."

Burnes struck out eight, yielded three hits and three walks, and lowered his ERA to 2.95 as the Orioles opened a three-game set against one of baseball’s hottest teams. The Tigers had won their previous four and nine of their last 11 entering Friday.

Keider Montero struck out seven but yielded Baltimore’s final four homers over five innings of middle relief for the Tigers.

“I told him on the mound, ‘Keep your head high. You’re going to get the ball again in five or six days and you're going to help us win,'" Detroit manager A.J. Hinch said.

Trey Sweeney had a late RBI single for Detroit.

McCann’s second shot sailed into the Baltimore bullpen, where reliever Cionel Perez caught it with an outstretched cap — his sixth such feat this season. That completed Baltimore’s first game with multiple players hitting multiple homers since June of 2021, and brought its season total to 224.

“We haven't had homers in bunches like this in a while, and we did in the first half,” said Baltimore manager Brandon Hyde. “It was a fun night for us offensively."

Detroit played from behind from the start. A miscommunication between outfielders Parker Meadows and Kerry Carpenter gifted Gunnar Henderson a leadoff double.

Three batters later, Santander lined Holton’s 2-2 cutter just over the 398-foot sign in deep left-center to make it 2-0 and set in motion a comfortable victory after his walk-off shot decided Thursday's 5-3 win over San Francisco.

“With two outs, two strikes and he goes deep, that was ... honestly a turning point in the game,” Hyde said. “Getting Burnes with a lead there, a 2-0 lead right away.”

TRAINER'S ROOM

Tigers: Rookie 3B Colt Keith (right shoulder) returned to the lineup in the DH role after missing Tuesday's game. Manager A.J. Hinch said he could return to playing defense later this series, or in Detroit's next series at home against Tampa Bay.

Orioles: Activated LHP Danny Coulombe (left elbow surgery) from the 60-day injured list and placed RHP Burch Smith (right groin strain) on the 15-day injured list. Coulombe worked a scoreless eighth. ... Held out OF Cedric Mullins (neck discomfort) after his involvement in an outfield collision on Thursday. ... Sent 1B Ryan Mountcastle to begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Norfolk.

UP NEXT

Orioles Rookie LHP Cade Povich (2-9. 5.74 ERA) tries to build on a promising September in which he's pitched to a 3.18 ERA over three starts. The Tigers send out another opener in RHP Reese Olson (4-8, 3.50).

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Corbin Burnes throws during the second inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Baltimore Orioles' Colton Cowser, left, rounds the bases on his home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Baltimore Orioles' Colton Cowser, top, celebrates his home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game as Detroit Tigers catcher Jake Rogers looks on, at bottom, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Keider Montero throws during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Baltimore Orioles' James McCann, second from left, celebrates after his two-run home run with Gunnar Henderson (2) and Coby Mayo (16) as Detroit Tigers catcher Jake Rogers., right, looks on during the fourth inning of a baseball game Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Baltimore Orioles' James McCann celebrates after his two-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson, left, tags out Detroit Tigers' Kerry Carpenter, right, as he tried to steal second base during the first inning of a baseball game, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Baltimore Orioles' Colton Cowser celebrates his home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Baltimore Orioles' James McCann, right, celebrates his home run with Gunnar Henderson (2) during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Baltimore Orioles' James McCann gestures as he celebrates his home run in front of Detroit Tigers catcher Jake Rogers (34) and home plate umpire CB Bucknor, right, during the sixth inning of a baseball game, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani is at it again.

The Los Angeles Dodgers superstar hit his 52nd home run and stole his 52nd base on Friday night, breaking the major league record for going deep and stealing in the same game.

It's the 14th time Ohtani has achieved the feat, bettering Rickey Henderson's mark of 13 games set in 1986 with the New York Yankees.

Ohtani's heroics occurred a night after becoming the first player in major league history with 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases.

He reached on an infield single to first base in the seventh and then stole second.

Ohtani's 52nd homer off a 3-2 pitch from Kyle Freeland traveled 423 feet to center field, scoring Max Muncy who doubled and put the Dodgers ahead 3-2 with two outs in the fifth inning.

Ohtani keeps showing a flair for the dramatic during his historic first season with the Dodgers.

In Miami on Thursday, Ohtani had the first three-homer game of his career — all coming after the sixth inning — his first six-hit game and a franchise and career-record 10 RBIs. No one in MLB history has done that before.

He finished the night with 51 homers and 51 steals.

“Going for a home run is not the ideal way for me to hit a home run, so I try to focus on quality at-bats,” Ohtani said through an interpreter.

He also stole two bases and nearly hit for the cycle, but was thrown out at third trying to stretch his second double into a triple while showing off his rare combination of speed and power.

Ohtani was greeted with a standing ovation as he led off the first inning Friday. Chants of “MVP! MVP!” rang out and fans stayed on their feet with their phones out to record his at-bat. Ohtani went down swinging but the crowd applauded again as he walked back to the dugout.

Replays of Ohtani's historic night played on the video board during batting practice.

“People just like to watch greatness," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, "and he’s going to go down as one of the greats of all time.”

Rockies manager Bud Black marveled at Ohtani's achievements, although he'd prefer the superstar holds off on burnishing his credentials until the three-game series ends.

“He can start Monday,” Black said.

Ohtani's previous bests were 46 homers and 26 stolen bases in 2021, when he won the first of his two American League Most Valuable Player awards while playing for the Los Angeles Angels.

Now he’s the favorite for NL MVP honors.

It seems there are no limits for Ohtani.

He was the fastest player to reach the 40-40 mark with a ninth-inning grand slam against Tampa Bay in his 126th game on Aug. 23 .

Now he has nine games left to see what else he can do in the regular season.

“Knowing him, he’s probably looking at 60-60,” Roberts said. “I would say it’s very unrealistic, but with him anything’s possible.”

The Dodgers clinched a postseason berth for the 12th consecutive season with their 20-4 rout of the Marlins on Thursday. It’s nothing new for them, but it is for Ohtani. He has played 865 games without making a postseason appearance, more than any other active player.

“He will be very prepared and focused,” Roberts. “I think the whole world is looking forward to him in October.”

Ohtani made it clear in signing a $700 million, 10-year deal with the Dodgers last December that competing for a championship is what drives him.

“The No. 1 goal is to get to the postseason and win the World Series,” he said last month.

During his six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, they never made the playoffs or had a winning record.

The NL West-leading Dodgers are looking to lock up their 11th division title in 12 seasons.

Ohtani’s amazing feats are occurring during a season in which his closest friend betrayed him and he isn’t pitching while he rehabilitates from elbow surgery last offseason.

He skipped the Home Run Derby during All-Star weekend in July to avoid potential further injury, although as designated hitter he slugged a three-run homer in the National League’s loss.

Not pitching has kept Ohtani’s arms and legs fresher and quicker, while allowing him to focus and improve on other parts of his game. He’s honed his craft of running and stealing bases, learning how to get good jumps off opposing pitchers by studying video of their tendencies.

Dodgers fans could be witnessing a once in a generation side of Ohtani’s game. Once he resumes pitching every five days next year, his legs may not allow him to steal as many bases.

The Ohtani effect is visible off the field, too.

Fans created mob scenes in and around Dodger Stadium during his two bobblehead giveaways. The final Ohtani promotion is Saturday when T-shirts featuring his likeness will be given to the first 40,000 fans.

Japanese tourists flock to the stadium for tours, resulting in the team adding more Japanese-speaking guides. The team has signed a slew of Japanese sponsors, too.

“He’s one of one,” Roberts said.

AP MLB: https://www.apnews.com/hub/MLB

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) returns to the dugout after hitting a home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies in Los Angeles, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. MaxMuncy also scored. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani works out before a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies in Los Angeles, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani singles during the third inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies in Los Angeles, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani runs on a single during the third inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies in Los Angeles, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (17) celebrates after hitting a home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, of Japan, hits a home run, scoring Max Muncy and Chris Taylor, during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (17) waves to fans after he hit a home run scoring Andy Pages, during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (17) celebrates his 51 home run of the season during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)