Watch: Orioles error leads to disastrous loss vs. Pirates

Pittsburgh Pirates players celebrate a thrilling walk-off win against the Baltimore Orioles Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Orioles' costly error leads to disastrous loss vs. Pirates

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 4/7/24

While it's still early in the season, the Baltimore Orioles' 3-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday could go down as one of their worst in 2024.

Up 2-1 with one out in the ninth inning, Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson dove for and grabbed Edward Oliveras' grounder up the middle of the infield. He tagged second base and went for a double-play, but overthrew first for an error. Two runners would score on the play, giving the Pirates the walk-off win.

Chaos in Pittsburgh as the @Pirates rally for the #walkoff! pic.twitter.com/aglShkcws9
— MLB (@MLB) April 7, 2024

The @Pirates open the season 8-2 for the first time since 2018! pic.twitter.com/inXdjS90nb
— MLB (@MLB) April 7, 2024

Even though it was a colossal mistake, Henderson shouldn't shoulder all the blame. The Pirates had already loaded the bases before his error, thanks to singles from Ke'Bryan Hayes and Jack Suwinski. Baltimore pitcher Yennier Cano also walked Connor Joe.

With the victory, Pittsburgh improved to 8-2 for the first time since 2018 while dropping the Orioles to 5-4. The fast start should inspire confidence in Pirates fans, as the team has been mired in mediocrity in recent years. They last made the postseason in 2015.

More must-reads: