Morton blanked the Braves until Drake Baldwin’s two-run homer in the sixth inning, and the Baltimore Orioles never trailed in a 3-2 series-opening win at Truist Park that sank Atlanta deeper in the standings with the trade deadline looming.

The veteran right-hander has gone 5–0 since late May and may soon become a valuable trade chip for the struggling Orioles.

C harlie Morton made his homecoming to Truist Park Friday, his first start since his departure from the Atlanta Braves over the winter. He gave the Orioles 5 1/3 innings pitched, allowing two runs on six hits and a walk while striking out seven. He threw 68% of his 97 pitches for strikes.