The Baltimore Orioles found themselves trailing the Detroit Tigers 4-2 after six innings on Thursday. The Birds scored five runs in the seventh inning to flip the score and win the game on the MLB debut of Joey Ortiz.

Playing second base and batting ninth, Ortiz went 1 for 3 with 3 RBI. Those three RBI in a MLB debut equaled a feat last accomplished by Don Baylor (9/18/1970). In attendance for that Orioles history was Joey’s parents, Jose and Denise and his girlfriend, Iliana May.

Ortiz played a part in the seventh inning outburst. His sacrifice fly allowed Adam Frazier (1 for 3, 2 runs scored, 1 BB, 1 SB) to score the inning’s first run. Frazier had singled in front of Ryan McKenna (1 for 4, 1 run scored) and advanced to third on McKenna’s double. A Cedric Mullins (1 for 5, 1 run scored, 1 RBI) triple and an Adley Rutschman (2 for 4, 1 RBI) sacrifice fly plated two more runs. Anthony Santander (1 for 4, 1 run scored, 2 RBI) hit a two-run homerun to cap off the scoring.

Starting pitcher Kyle Gibson struggled through 4.1 innings, allowing 3 runs on 8 hits, walking 2, striking out 3 and throwing a wild pitch.

Bryan Baker (2-0) was credited with the win for his 1.2 IP, 2 BB, 2 K effort.

Felix Bautista (1.0 IP, 3 BB, 3 K) earned his sixth save of the season.

BOX SCORE

2023 Record: 17-8

Next Game: Fri. 4/28 @ 6:40 pm vs. the Tigers in Detroit

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