If ever there were an indelible image of the upstart, close-knit 2022 Orioles, it happened on the final play of the Birds’ walkoff win in the 10th on Independence Day afternoon.
Jorge Mateo had just taken a 93-mph fastball flush to his left leg, a game-ending hit by pitch that forced home the winning run. As the Orioles and the Camden Yards crowd celebrated, the normally speedy Mateo, for perhaps the first time in his life, needed some help getting moving. A slew of his O’s teammates took him by the arms and led him gently down the first base line before Mateo jogged the final few steps himself, raising his arms in celebration as he stepped on first base.