Orioles break record for HRs allowed in single season

The Baltimore Orioles' dismal 2019 campaign reached record-breaking status on Thursday, as the team's pitching staff has now allowed the most single-season home runs in MLB history, passing the 2016 Cincinnati Reds.

The record-breaking homer - the 259th an Orioles pitcher has surrendered this season - came off the bat of Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Austin Meadows against right-handed starter Asher Wojciechowski.

Baltimore set the record during its 128th game of the season, giving the club 34 additional games to build on the dubious mark. Wojciechowski later allowed No. 260 to Willy Adames.

The Orioles' pitching staff entered Thursday's matchup against the division-rival Rays with a 2.07 HR/9, which towers over the second-place Seattle Mariners' 1.73 HR/9. Prorated over an entire season, the Orioles would be on pace to surrender approximately 335 homers.

Prior to Thursday's game, Orioles pitchers collectively possessed a 6.00 ERA and a 5.81 FIP. Starter David Hess has surrendered the most long balls on the team, coughing up 28 over 75 innings pitched. Among Baltimore's pitchers with 10-plus innings pitched, Alex Cobb leads the club with a 6.57 HR/9 after allowing nine dingers over 12 1/3 frames.