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Why Orioles manager Craig Albernaz returned to dugout after scary HBP
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- Why Orioles manager Craig Albernaz returned to dugout after scary HBP
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The Baltimore Orioles experienced a frightening moment during Game 1 of a three-game series vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks Monday night, as manager Craig Albernaz was struck in the head by a foul ball. The incident quickly became a focal point of the game, which later turned into a dramatic 9-7 comeback win.
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Albernaz suffered the injury in the fifth inning when a 70.6 mph foul ball off Jeremiah Jackson 's bat hit him in the dugout. The impact forced him to leave for medical evaluation, raising immediate concern among players and staff.
Despite the severity of the incident, the Orioles manager made a surprising return shortly afterward. The game's momentum shifted soon after, as Jackson delivered a pivotal moment with a grand slam in the sixth inning that helped spark Baltimore's comeback.
The emotional turning point came when Albernaz returned to the top step of the dugout. He embraced Jackson following the home run, easing the rookie's concern after the accidental hit. That interaction energized the Orioles and helped fuel their rally.
The Baltimore Sun shared a video captured by reporter Matt Weyrich on X, formerly Twitter, revealing Albernaz's mentality following the incident .
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"Orioles manager Craig Albernaz walks through the moments after he was hit by a foul ball Monday night.
After Jeremiah Jackson hit a grand slam, he said 'f*** this' and returned to the dugout."
The moment showcased the first-year skipper's commitment to his team, as the dugout incident became a rallying point. The Orioles went on to complete a 9–7 comeback victory, erasing a six-run deficit in one of its most resilient performances of the 2026 season.
Albernaz later revealed he suffered a broken jaw and multiple facial fractures. Even so, he returned to the ballpark the next day and plans to continue managing.
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The sequence showcased the toughness within the clubhouse. Albernaz's response steadied the team and reinforced a sense of unity during a critical stretch. As of Tuesday, the Orioles hold a 1–0 lead in Game 2 of the series, currently in the bottom of the third inning.
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Related: Jeremiah Jackson smashed Orioles manager's face – then he got a hug after grand slam
