Rookie Sensation Henderson's Homer Seals Orioles' 80th Win Amidst Bautista's Injury Concerns

Photo: Instagram/Gunnar Henderson

The Orioles clinched their 80th victory in a tense match against the Rockies, although the win was overshadowed by an injury to Félix Bautista.

The game took place on a humid Friday night at Camden Yards, where rookie sensation Gunnar Henderson stole the show with a critical two-run homer that pushed the Orioles ahead of the struggling Rockies. As the AL's premier closer took to the mound, the home crowd's excitement soared.

Henderson's impressive 22nd homer of the season off Rockies reliever Brent Suter gave the Orioles a narrow lead. Bautista, striving for his 34th save, skillfully retired pinch-hitters Jurickson Profar and Harold Castro, coming within an out of securing the victory.


However, Bautista's pitch to pinch-hitter Michael Toglia led to an alarming stumble on the mound, prompting Manager Brandon Hyde and athletic trainer Brian Ebel to rush to his aid. The result was Bautista leaving the game.

Reliever Danny Coulombe sealed the Orioles' 5-4 triumph with a strikeout against Toglia. The focus postgame shifted from the win to the condition of their star closer.

Manager Hyde mentioned that Bautista departed due to arm discomfort, sparking concerns about his health. The team plans to conduct various tests to determine the extent of the injury.


The Orioles had been trailing 4-3 in the eighth inning before Henderson's remarkable hit expanded their lead. Henderson expressed his joy at contributing to the team's comeback, fulfilling a childhood dream of hitting a game-changing homer.

Manager Hyde acknowledged the significance of Henderson's hit, especially in a game where the team struggled offensively. Bautista's previous encounter with injury was in the late stages of the 2022 season due to left knee discomfort.

His recent outing included a successful save against the Blue Jays. Henderson expressed optimism that Bautista's injury isn't severe and that he will recover quickly. Teammates, including starter Cole Irvin, praised Bautista's essential role and hoped for a positive outcome.

Despite the victory, the Orioles' celebrations were tempered by concerns for Bautista's well-being, leaving the team and fans anxiously awaiting updates on his condition.

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Source: MLB

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