The Baltimore Orioles opened their home stand at Camden Yards on Friday with a 6-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals, powered by a two-run home run from shortstop Gunnar Henderson that proved to be the decisive blow in the fifth inning. The win gave Baltimore early momentum in what promises to be a competitive AL Central battle through the first weeks of the 2026 season.

Henderson, who has emerged as one of the American League's most dangerous hitters, worked a full count before sending a 94-mph fastball from Royals starter Seth Lugo into the left-field bleachers. The shot scored Anthony Santander, who had led off the inning with a double, and put Baltimore ahead 5-3 at the time.

Orioles starter Corbin Burnes was efficient through five innings, surrendering three runs on seven hits while striking out six. The Baltimore bullpen — increasingly a strength of the club — held Kansas City scoreless over the final three frames, with closer Felix Bautista recording his third save of the young season on a ground-ball-heavy ninth inning.

The Royals, who entered the series looking to rebound after a slow start, managed a pair of early runs on RBI singles from Bobby Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino. But Kansas City's offense went quiet after the fifth, stranding eight runners and going 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position over the course of the night.

For Baltimore, the home crowd at Camden Yards provided a lift as the team looks to build on its recent success. Manager Brandon Hyde praised the bullpen's performance after the game, noting that the Orioles' depth is already paying dividends this April. The two teams will meet again Saturday afternoon in the second game of the three-game set.