The Baltimore Orioles looked to even the series with Cleveland tonight at Progressive Field, and in doing so called up their top prospect in Gunnar Henderson. Luckily, he didn’t disappoint. Neither did starter Jordan Lyles, although it wasn’t always rosy so to speak. Lyles’ line: 6.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 K.
Lyles pitched out of a few situations over the course of his start, but never broke. He pitched out of a bases loaded situation in the fourth, and a few others. He never surrendered a run, and pitched to a quality start.
The Orioles also loaded the bases at one point, this in the top of the third. And Ramon Urias drew a walk, forcing in a run. And the O’s took a 1-0 lead.
Gunnar Henderson lined out in his first at-bat. This of course is a day he’ll always remember, his big league debut. His family was flown into Cleveland for the game to be there for him. But come his second at-bat, Henderson further stamped an unforgettable day with his personal insignia.
Henderson led off the fourth, and on a 2-2 pitch sent a deep shot to right center. The ball made it into the grandstand, giving Henderson his first major league hit, and his first major league home run – all in one package! He also gave the Birds a 2-0 lead.
If I were Henderson, I’d retire tonight. Heck, I might have retired after running the bases. As they said on Seinfeld, you always “end on a high!” But obviously the Orioles and Orioles fans are glad that isn’t happening. Henderson also followed that up with a hard base hit. A memorable evening for the Henderson family all around.
Ramon Urias added a two-run homer in the eighth, giving the O’s some insurance. And they cruised to a 4-0 victory. Which is huge for the playoff.
The series concludes tomorrow night at Progressive Field. Kyle Bradish gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Cleveland’s Shane Bieber. Game time is set for just after 6 PM.
Birdland Crush 