Without a doubt Delmond Young’s pinch hit three-run double to put the Orioles ahead 7-6 was the biggest hit of the game, but don’t forget who started the rally.
Although Adam Jones has struggled offensively in post season play, his leadership was on full display as he stepped into the batters box with one out in the 8th, down 6-3. Knowing the Orioles needed runners, he took a pitch off his thigh and jogged down to first.
When asked about the hit by pitch, Jones deadpanned, “It’s the post season. If the pitch is inside, I ain’t movin!”
JJ Hardy explained, “When Jonesy got on, we felt the momentum starting to change.”
That’s what good leaders do. Even when they are struggling a bit, they find a way to help the team. It might not seem like much, but Jones HBP was the catalyst for the Orioles four-run 8th inning.
