The Baltimore Orioles leveled their 2026 MLB season record at .500 by earning the seventh win of the season over the San Francisco Giants.
As Orioles fans have become accustomed to in recent years, there were a series of bizarre events the team had to overcome to get the win.
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1. Jackson Holliday bobblehead night happened without Holliday
As advertised in November, this game was designated as the Jackson Holliday bobblehead giveaway night. The bobblehead features Holliday with his dog Coconut. Holliday is recovering from a hand injury and playing a minor league rehab stint in Norfolk. He was not present at the game so his wife Chloe, accompanied by Coconut, threw out the first pitch.
2. A whistler handled National Anthem duties
Four-time whistling champion and Whistling Hall of Famer Chris Ullman whistled the Star Spangled Banner. It was well done but unusual.
3. Adley Rutschman was scratched with ankle soreness
Apr 3, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman (35) looks on before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Rutschman was riddled with injuries last season so fans hoped for the best when he was scratched for ankle soreness. By the end of the game, he was on the 10-day IL.
4. Ryan Mountcastle played in Rutschman’s absence and got hurt
Samuel Basallo was slotted in the DH position but moved to catcher with Rutschman out. Ryan Mountcastle was added as the DH. Mountcastle hit a double but ran awkwardly to second base. He left the game with a foot issue.
What went well
Gunnar Henderson hit his MLB leading sixth homerun of the season. Chris Bassett pitched a better outing. The Orioles win 6-2.
