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.

Charlie 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.

Baltimore right-hander Charlie Morton will make his return to Atlanta on Friday when the Orioles open a three-game series against the Braves. The Braves lost two of three against the visiting Los Angeles Angels the past three days and have dropped six of their past eight.