Calling the Pen: When a baseball family comes together

The Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays were competing against each other as if it were a playoff game on Thursday night. The Orioles were coming off a disastrous loss — 12-8 after leading 8-0 — and the Rays were trying to issue an early knockout punch to Baltimore’s chances of a comeback this season while staying on the heels of the American League East-leading New York Yankees.

There was a lot on the line, and the intensity of the game reflected it.

Until it suddenly didn’t seem to matter. That’s when Tampa Bay reliever Hunter Bigge was hit in the face in the dugout by an Adley Rutschman foul ball that was traveling 105 mph. The horrifying look on Rutschman’s face was the first clue that this was serious.

Emergency medical personnel responded quickly to Bigge. A cart was brought in to take him from the stadium to an ambulance. Rutschman returned to the dugout with his teammates. Tampa Bay’s players on the field joined together, each fearing the worst but hoping for the best.

MASN broadcaster Brian Roberts, whose game analysis is impressive, found himself commenting on something bigger. “This is a time when it’s hard to get back to playing baseball,” Roberts said. “It’s a family. Baseball is a family.”

It was no longer one set of fans rooting against the other’s but everyone rooting for the same thing — the health of Hunter Bigge.

“I haven’t been a part of something like that; you never want to see that,” Rutschman told reporters on Thursday. “You know, I think everyone wishes for the best health for everyone in this game.”

Rutschman had to get back in the batter’s box against Tampa Bay reliever Connor Seabold. The count was 3-2, and he took ball four. After a nearly 10-minute delay, the game had restarted. The Orioles would go on to win, 4-1. It was a big win, but the idea of mental toughness had new meaning.

It was no longer about showing resiliency after losing a game in which they led, 8-0, but regaining their focus after the upsetting injury and while the Rays were putting pressure on relievers Seranthony Domínguez, Gregory Soto, Bryan Baker and Félix Bautista.

Asked if he thought it was difficult to continue to play after seeing Bigge get struck by the foul ball, Orioles interim manager Tony Mansolino said, “I would be concerned if it wasn’t difficult.”

Colton Cowser, who hit the game-winning three-run homer, said, “Prayers to Hunter Bigge,” before answering any postgame questions.”

A rugged four game series that the teams split had shown the best of their competitiveness and revealed their character at the same time. Baseball is a family game, and it’s family to those who play it, especially during the most scary of moments.