Controversial Baseline Ruling Helps Blue Jays Rally Past Orioles 6-4

In a Sunday American League East matchup, the Toronto Blue Jays overcame a 4-2 deficit to defeat the Baltimore Orioles 6-4, with the turning point coming on a controversial umpiring call in the sixth inning. After catcher Brandon Valenzuela hit a chopper to shortstop Gunnar Henderson, second baseman Ernie Clement veered away from Henderson's tag attempt, prompting Henderson to throw to first expecting an out-of-baseline call. Second base umpire Nic Lentz instead ruled Clement safe, explaining that Clement had already established his base path to avoid interfering with Henderson fielding the ball, and that Henderson had not made a sufficient tag attempt. Orioles manager Craig Albernaz argued the call on the field, contending that extending a glove constitutes a tag attempt regardless of how far the arm is extended. Orioles pitcher Shane Baz, who allowed five runs — only one earned — in 5 2/3 innings, expressed frustration after the game but declined to elaborate, citing fear of a fine. The ruling opened the door for Toronto's five-run rally that ultimately decided the game.