MLB Latino of the weekend: Anthony Santander's bat heats up as Orioles take series over the Phillies

SEATTLE - In a matchup between two of the best teams in Major League Baseball, Anthony Santander's bat might have been the difference for the Baltimore Orioles to take the series win against the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Venezuelan gave the Orioles a very productive weekend, going 5-for-11 with three hits being home runs.

The Venezuelan had his best game of the season on Saturday, June 15, hitting his first multi-HR game of the season with four RBI in the Orioles' 6-2 win over the Phillies. With Baltimore down early, Santander hit a solo dinger in the fourth inning.

Thanks to his sacrifice fly during the sixth inning, the Orioles got back in the lead. A two-run homer by Santander in the eight secured the win for the home team.

The Venezuelan has been a different player ever since June started. He has homered eight times in 16 games this month, the most by any player in the Majors.

Since then, only Gunnar Henderson has hit the ball more times than Santander among Orioles players.

After his contributions to give the Orioles the series win over the Phillies, Santander is now slashing .231/.306/.494 over the entire season, including 17 home runs and 43 RBI.

When asked about his recent performances, Santander said that the summer weather could be the reason why he has done so good recently, drawing comparisons to his homeland in Venezuela.

"I don't know what's happened, but I feel great when it's hot," said Santander. "I'm from Venezuela, so that weather is always in 90, 95. I wish it could be hot the whole year."

Having won eight of their last 10 games, the red-hot Orioles now turn their focus towards a road trip that will see them face the New York Yankees. Before the series start, New York holds an advantage of 1.5 games over the Orioles for the AL East summit, although Baltimore has won each of their last four games on the road.