In a different year, it’s a game winning blast. The type of drive that snaps a losing streak and results in a 180 degree momentum shift. The play makes the season highlight reel, and receives credit for getting things back on track.
Not this year. Not even close.
After a 45-minute rain delay, DJ Stewart stepped to the plate in the eighth inning Monday with a man on and the Birds trailing by one. Stewart walloped a 1-0 four-seam fastball 411 feet to right field to give the Orioles a late inning lead. Sensing the moment, Stewart delivered a straight-faced, two-handed bat flip in the direction of Baltimore’s dugout.