Squirrel Steals the Spotlight During MLB Game at Comerica Park
WHO:
ABC News - A squirrel was involved in a chase during a baseball game.
MLB.com - Orioles outfielder Leody Taveras encountered the squirrel.
MLB.com - Orioles manager Craig Albernaz commented on the squirrel chase.
MLB.com - Tigers play-by-play announcer Jason Benetti chronicled the squirrel's journey.
MLB.com - Tigers mascot PAWS held a sign that read "Free the squirrel."
WHAT:
MLB.com - The Orioles' win brought their record to 52-55.
MLB.com - The Tigers' postseason odds dropped to 25.8 percent after their loss to the Orioles.
MLB.com - The Orioles scored in each of the first three frames and in four of the first five innings against the Tigers.
MLB.com - Tyler O’Neill's pinch-hit home run was his third career pinch-hit homer, with previous ones occurring on Aug. 22, 2018, and July 8 of the current year.
MLB.com - The Orioles' win marked their first time hitting three or more home runs since hitting four in a 6-1 victory against the Royals on July 11.
MLB.com - The Orioles scored six runs (four earned) against Tigers pitcher Keider Montero in 4 1/3 innings.
MLB.com - Tyler O’Neill's pinch-hit home run was his third career pinch-hit homer.
Defector - The crowd at Comerica Park chanted "Free the squirrel!" during the game.
Defector - A Tigers spokesperson stated that the squirrel was in fine health after being removed from the field and released.
MLB.com - The Orioles hit three home runs during the game, marking their highest scoring output since an 8-2 win over Kansas City on July 12.
MLB.com - The Orioles' win brought them to only two games back of the third American League Wild Card spot.
MLB.com - Leody Taveras, Coby Mayo, and Tyler O’Neill each hit home runs for the Orioles.
MLB.com - Mayo's two-run home run in the fifth inning was his 14th of the season, and he recorded multiple hits off a righty for the first time since May 7.
ABC News - A squirrel ran onto the field during the Tigers-Orioles game at Comerica Park.
MLB.com - The squirrel caused chaos for about a full inning, refusing to be captured.
MLB.com - The grounds crew chased the squirrel into the right-field corner, where it jumped into Taveras's glove.
MLB.com - The game ended with the Orioles defeating the Tigers 8-5.
MLB.com - The Orioles hit three home runs during the game.
WHERE:
ABC News - The event took place at Comerica Park.
MLB.com - The game was between the Detroit Tigers and the Baltimore Orioles.
WHEN:
MLB.com - The Trade Deadline is set for Aug. 3, 2026, at 6 p.m. ET.
WHY:
MLB.com - Orioles manager Craig Albernaz stated, “The whole squirrel thing was nuts,” highlighting the unexpected entertainment during the game.
MLB.com - Orioles manager Craig Albernaz emphasized the importance of consistent offensive performances as they aim for a playoff push.
MLB.com - The Orioles are focusing on handling what they can control as they aim for a playoff push, emphasizing the importance of consistent offensive performances.
MLB.com - The squirrel's antics provided entertainment during the game, distracting fans and players alike.
MLB.com - The Orioles were looking to improve their playoff chances with a strong performance.
HOW:
MLB.com - The grounds crew successfully captured the squirrel by wrapping it in a towel and escorting it off the field, despite the crowd's audible disapproval.
MLB.com - The grounds crew successfully captured the squirrel by wrapping it in a towel and escorting it off the field.
MLB.com - The grounds crew attempted to capture the squirrel using a towel.
MLB.com - Taveras tried to lift the squirrel out of his glove without squeezing it.
The Orioles secured a victory against the Tigers, improving their record to 52 wins and 55 losses, while the Tigers saw their postseason odds drop to 25.8 percent. In an exciting game, the Orioles scored in each of the first three frames and in four of the first five innings, highlighted by Tyler O’Neill's third career pinch-hit home run. Adding to the day's unusual events, Orioles manager Craig Albernaz remarked on the unexpected entertainment provided by a squirrel that the grounds crew managed to capture and escort off the field, despite the crowd's audible disapproval.