More on the win in the Little League Classic and Mullins on playing in WBC

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – For the Orioles it felt like and it really was a big game. A chance to shine on national television. The rubber match in a key series versus an AL East opponent. And needing a win to stay within striking distance of an AL playoff spot.

When Boston’s Franchy Cordero hit a pinch-hit homer to tie the game in the eighth, the O’s needed some late-inning magic. They got it with a three-run double off the bat of shortstop Jorge Mateo to beat the Red Sox 5-2 in the Little League Classic at Bowman Field.

They improved to 63-58 overall and to 12-7 this month to stay within 2.5 games of a playoff spot.

“I definitely think every game is a big game now and we treat it as such,” said catcher Adley Rutschman who singled and scored in the O's two-run first inning. “We wanted to give the kids as good an experience as we could. But once game time started, it was all about the game. I think we have a lot of guys with a lot of maturity on this team that could compartmentalize two things.”

Rutschman was not biting his tongue when a reporter asked him about becoming the face of the team.

“I think the best part about this team is we have no individuals on the team. We play selfless baseball. We play for each other and you know I’ve said a lot we have guys with high character on the team who have been around the game a long time and I’m fortunate to pick their brain. Nothing I do is on my own. I definitely say today was a beautiful experience, but no credit to myself. I’m fortunate to be with this group,” he said.

After his team gave up those three late runs to lose the game and series, Boston manager Alex Cora had plenty of praise for the Orioles and their 2022 improvement.

“Last year toward the end they were really good. But their pitching staff is really good. Just fastballs in different places, angles and their secondary stuff is elite. In ’18 and ’19 you played them and you could get to them in the last third of the game. Now if they have a lead the game is almost over. It’s a testament to who they are.

“I have a good idea of what they are doing upstairs (in the front office). Very similar to what happened in Houston. You start building with pitching and you see the athletes they have for position players. They are really good and this is just the beginning.”

O’s manager Brandon Hyde seemed to have a fantastic day in Williamsport. One that started with his and his players interactions with the Little Leaguers and then winning the game didn’t hurt his mood either.

Hyde also enjoyed meeting President George W. Bush, who attended the game at Bowman Field. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred was also on hand. 

“I met four others (presidents), I had not met him,” said Hyde. “So that was really, really cool. He came in and said some things to the guys and kept it really loose, it was funny. Lot of laughter. And I think he enjoyed being in a clubhouse setting. He knew (Rougned) Odor and (Robinson) Chirinos with the Rangers so he was kind of kidding around with them. That was a very special moment for us to meet President Bush.”

Mullins is headed to the WBC: O’s center fielder Cedric Mullins, it was announced during the game, will play for Team USA in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

“I was definitely surprised. I got called in skip’s office and he said Team USA wants you to play, are you interested? I said ‘absolutely.’ It was a shock but exciting,” said Mullins.

Mullins said it was thrilling to watch his former teammate Adam Jones play in the WBC in 2017 where he robbed Manny Machado of a home run with a spectacular catch.

“That was awesome,” he said. “That is the only memory of the WBC I can recall. Just knowing the energy that was there that day, it’s exciting to be a part of.”

Now he gets to play with USA on his uniform.

“It’s just an honor. Something you never are going to forget. Should be a lot of fun,” Mullins said.