Orioles manager tries to explain disastrous Gunnar Henderson steal attempt in Game 1 ALDS loss

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 10/7/23

The Baltimore Orioles came up short in Game 1 of the American League Division Series on Saturday, falling to the Texas Rangers 3-2, thanks in part to a disastrous ninth-inning decision.

With the O's trailing by a run, infielder Gunnar Henderson led off the bottom of the ninth with a single. However, caught stealing three pitches later, the Baltimore rally died before it started. After the tough loss, Orioles manager Brandon Hyde called the choice to send Henderson a "miscommunication."

Henderson told reporters it was Hyde's call to steal second, but he agreed with the risk.

"Thought it was a good time to take it. Didn't happen," Henderson said, via Andy Kostka of the Baltimore Banner. "Hate that it didn't happen."

Somehow lost in the controversy is the remarkable play by Rangers backstop Jonah Heim. Gunning down Henderson in the clutch, Heim swung the momentum instantly. Instead of having the tying run in scoring position with no out, the bases were empty, and a raucous crowd at Camden Yards fell in stunned silence.

Unlike most watching, Heim wasn't surprised that Henderson broke for second base. Following his big moment, Heim said he "kinda blacked out," adding that he was paying attention to Henderson's secondary lead and was ready to react.

Adding to the head-scratching move, outfielder Aaron Hicks had drawn a hitter's count (2-1) against Jose Leclerc. The botched steal let the reliever off the hook, erasing the building pressure.

Surprisingly enough, Henderson's gaffe hasn't happened much in postseason history. According to Codify Baseball, Henderson is only the fifth player caught stealing with their team down a run in the ninth inning of a playoff game. He joins Babe Ruth (1926), Paul Molitor (1982), Billy Bates (1990) and Dee Strange-Gordon (2013).

The Rangers improved to 3-0 in the playoffs and will look to take a 2-0 advantage in the ALDS when they take on the host Orioles for Game 2 on Sunday at 4:07 p.m. ET.

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