Angels got game 1

Gunnar Henderson explains passing on cycle in Orioles’ blowout win over the Athletics

Gunnar Henderson, a rookie third baseman for the Baltimore Orioles, had a chance at a cycle in the eighth inning of Sunday’s lopsided victory over the Oakland Athletics, but instead opted to go to second base for a double, leaving his teammates befuddled in the dugout.Gunnar Henderson justified his decision not to go for the cycle in the eighth inning, when his side led 10-1.

Henderson was quoted by Roch Kubatko of MASN as saying, “It kind of went through my mind before the at-bat if that situation happened then I’d just sit on the fact that if it was meant to be it would be a true single.” “I just play the game hard, and the chance to score twice presented itself, so I figured that was the way I had to play.”Henderson is the current favorite to win the American League Rookie of the Year award due to his outstanding performance this season. The Orioles’ current success can be attributed in large part to him.The Orioles improved to 77-47 with the victory over the Athletics. They have a lead of three games in the American League East over the Tampa Bay Rays. The Orioles also have the best record in the AL.

In order to secure home field advantage in any potential World Series meeting, the Orioles will be focusing the rest of the season on both clinching the top record in the American League and catching the Atlanta Braves for the best record in MLB.