Alec Bohm hit a two-run double in the 11th inning shortly after a 71-minute rain delay, helping the Philadelphia Phillies defeat the Baltimore Orioles 5-3 on Friday night.
In the top of the 11th, with one out and a runner on second base, the Orioles intentionally walked Bryce Harper. Bohm then hit a ball to left-center field off Jacob Webb (1-4), scoring both runners. Seranthony Dominguez pitched the bottom of the inning for his first save of the season.
The game, which was the first of a three-game series between two strong teams, attracted a sellout crowd of 43,987 at Camden Yards. Many Phillies fans, who had traveled from the Philadelphia area, added to the electric atmosphere.
The night began dramatically with Kyle Schwarber hitting a leadoff home run, and tension grew as both teams scored a run in the 10th inning, with two crucial replay reviews favoring Baltimore on plays at home plate.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson praised the intense atmosphere, saying, “The atmosphere was tremendous. We got a lot of Philly fans here and obviously a lot of Baltimore fans. It was a great game, back and forth. It was just really good. It was like a playoff game.”
Between the 10th and 11th innings, rain started falling and the tarp was brought out, leading some fans to leave. However, those who stayed were enthusiastic.
Rafael Marchán also hit a home run for the Phillies, while Anthony Santander homered for Baltimore in the eighth inning to tie the game at 2-2. Santander’s home run came off Matt Strahm, who had not allowed an earned run in his last 27 games.
The intensity heightened when Craig Kimbrel entered the game to pitch for the Orioles in the ninth inning. Phillies fans, remembering Kimbrel’s struggles in the NL Championship Series last year, made their feelings known as he took the mound for his new team. Kimbrel managed a scoreless ninth inning, with shortstop Gunnar Henderson making a diving stop to help him out.
