Two walk-offs, two lift-offs (with pictures)

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  Josh Land

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  June 14, 2013 1:17 pm

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The date September 12, 2012 may not stand out in your mind, but for many Orioles fans, the highlights of that night’s game are fresh in their minds.

Tied 2-2, the Rays and Orioles headed to the ninth in front of a crowd of 26,076. After two outs from Jim Johnson, Evan Longoria stepped to the plate. After working the count full, he hit a weak grounder to the third base side. Manny Machado fielded the ball, but with not enough time to get the runner headed to first. So, what did he do?…The date September 12, 2012 may not stand out in your mind, but for many Orioles fans, the highlights of that night’s game are fresh in their minds.

Tied 2-2, the Rays and Orioles headed to the ninth in front of a crowd of 26,076. After two outs from Jim Johnson, Evan Longoria stepped to the plate. After working the count full, he hit a weak grounder to the third base side. Manny Machado fielded the ball, but with not enough time to get the runner headed to first. So, what did he do?

This.

The Orioles headed to the bottom of the ninth, while the crowd simply stared in amazement of the rookie’s spectacular pump fake play.

Machado led off the inning with a single, of course, and took second on a sac bunt. Then, with a win on the line, Nate McLouth stepped to the plate. Stop me if you know where this is going.

Singling to right field, McLouth brought Machado home to secure the 3-2 walk-off win over the Rays.

While all of the Orioles greeted McLouth with high fives, Chris Davis took it the extra step by flinging the outfielder over his shoulder and parading around.

Flash-foward to last night with a new walk-off hero. In the last of the 13th against the Red Sox, Davis came through with an RBI single to win the game and claw away at Boston’s lead in the AL East.

And naturally, McLouth returned the favor, lifting up Davis – listed as 50 pounds heavier than McLouth – and celebrating the Birds’ 5-4 victory.

So, which walk-off celebration do you think was more exciting? Last season’s win over the Rays or last night’s walk-off in extras? Weigh in below in the comments.