Starting a runner on second base in extra innings was a rule change put in place for the coronavirus-shortened 2020 season to end games quickly and add some strategy.
It served no such purpose at Camden Yards on Saturday night, until the Orioles finally took advantage in the 11th inning on a walkoff single by Pat Valaika to give them a 5-4 win over the Tampa Bay Rays.
The experience itself was unprecedented for the Orioles, who hadn’t yet gone to extra innings under these rules. The baseball that followed would be unique anywhere.
Tampa Bay began the 10th inning with first baseman Ji-Man Choi at second base, but when Yoshi Tsutstugo hit a deep fly ball to the left field warning track, Cedric Mullins caught it and threw him out tagging at third base.