The 29-year-old right-hander allowed a one-out infield single to Keibert Ruiz to put the tying run on base, then pinch-runner Nasim Nunez swiped second to put him in scoring position. Bautista rallied though, getting Nathaniel Lowe on a ground ball to second base and Amed Rosario on a bouncer to short to end it. On the season, Bautista has compiled a 2.57 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and an 8/6 K/BB ratio over his first seven frames.

The Orioles initially went with Matt Bowman in the ninth after expanding their lead from three runs to five in the bottom of the eighth, but Bowman gave up a homer, a double and a walk before being lifted. Bautista took over with the two runners on and got a strikeout, a groundout and a flyout to end it. Because of the Orioles’ late of late and close leads, it was just Bautista’s sixth appearance and second save chance. He’s pitched scoreless innings in five of the outings. The Orioles might now stay away from him Sunday, potentially resulting in a save chance for Yennier Cano or Seranthony Domínguez.

Bautista finally got a save chance for the Orioles on Saturday as no Baltimore reliever had recorded a save going into the day. He pitched through some shaky control with two walks, striking out the final batter for his first save of the season.

Bautista gave up two hits and two walks, the last to the struggling Rafael Devers, to bring out the pitching coach after 24 pitches. He then got Alex Bregman to pop up a 97-mph fastball to end the game. Bautista topped out at 98.2 mph today. He’s not his old self yet, but there doesn’t seem like much reason to worry. He should be available Wednesday after tomorrow’s off day.