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Pete Alonso’s Risky Pop‑up Play Turns Into Error in Orioles’ Win

The misplay underscores the defensive risk of trying an uncommon double‑play look on a routine popup tied to Alonso’s five‑year, $155 million deal.

Overview

  • Alonso attempted to let a weak popup drop in the fourth inning at Camden Yards on Sunday to set up a 3‑6‑3 double play but misjudged the hop and the ball rolled away from him.
  • He made a hurried throw to second that bounced in the dirt, both runners were ruled safe and Alonso was charged with an error that led to two Detroit runs in the inning.
  • Despite the miscue, the Orioles rallied and won the game 5‑3, and Alonso finished 0‑for‑4 at the plate in that game.
  • Alonso and manager Craig Albernaz spoke in the dugout after the inning and ended the exchange with a high five, a sign the team treated the play as a teachable mistake rather than a source of public discord.
  • The play renews scrutiny of Alonso’s in‑game choices even as he remains Baltimore’s starting first baseman with about 10 home runs and 32 RBIs in his first 51 games and a generally strong defensive record with only one prior error this season.