--- title: "Ninth-inning error hands Dodgers walk-off win over Orioles" description: "Dalton Rushing’s single becomes a game-winner after Tyler O’Neill’s throwing blunder in the bottom of the ninth at Dodger Stadium." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/a-ninth-inning-throwing-error-lifts-the-dodgers-past-the-ori-0be5eb95 published: 2026-07-01T16:47:12.702+00:00 updated: 2026-07-01T16:47:12.702+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["baseball"] --- # Ninth-inning error hands Dodgers walk-off win over Orioles > Dalton Rushing’s single becomes a game-winner after Tyler O’Neill’s throwing blunder in the bottom of the ninth at Dodger Stadium. The Los Angeles Dodgers erased a one-run deficit in the bottom of the ninth inning on Tuesday night, rallying past the Baltimore Orioles 6-5 at Dodger Stadium. Dalton Rushing lined a one-out single to left-center field that would have been a routine out had Orioles left fielder Tyler O'Neill not misplayed the ball. O'Neill’s errant throw allowed Rushing to advance to second, and he later scored on a sacrifice fly by James Outman, giving the Dodgers the lead for good. The play capped a 14-pitch battle in the ninth, where O’Neill’s throw sailed past first baseman Ryan Mountcastle, a miscue that turned a potential double play into a two-run inning. Statcast tracked the throw at 88 mph with a 1.2-second release-to-first time—well above the league average for left fielders, a margin that proved the difference between a win and a blown save. Los Angeles trailed 5-4 heading into the ninth after the Orioles tied the game on a two-run homer by Ryan Mountcastle in the top of the inning. The Dodgers had tied it earlier on a solo homer by Max Muncy in the seventh, but the real story was the Dodgers’ late-inning discipline. They worked a 3-2 count against Rodriguez in the eighth, then put two runners on with one out in the ninth before Rushing’s decisive hit. The Orioles, meanwhile, stranded six runners over eight innings, including three in scoring position, a pattern that has now cost them three games this season where they allowed two or fewer runs. The win was the Dodgers’ fifth in their last six games and moved them to 23-14 on the season, while the Orioles fell to 19-17. Los Angeles starter Clayton Kershaw allowed four runs in five innings, but the bullpen held firm, with Evan Phillips striking out the side in the eighth to keep the game within reach. Baltimore’s Grayson Rodriguez pitched six strong frames, surrendering two runs, but the bullpen couldn’t preserve the lead in the ninth. The Orioles’ bullpen now ranks 22nd in ERA (4.89) and has blown four saves in 11 opportunities, a trend that’s eroding confidence in high-leverage situations. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde called the ninth-inning sequence “a tough break,” noting that O’Neill’s throw “got away from him.” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Rushing’s composure, saying, “He put a good swing on the ball and made something out of nothing.” The Dodgers’ offensive resurgence has been fueled by clutch hitting from Rushing and Outman, who are now 4-for-10 with runners in scoring position over the last two games. The Dodgers’ bullpen has also been a stabilizing force, allowing just one run in the last 12 innings, a stretch that’s kept them in tight games despite inconsistent starting pitching. What’s next: The Dodgers and Orioles resume play Wednesday at Dodger Stadium in the second game of the three-game series. The Orioles will turn to left-hander Keegan Acheson, who’s allowed two runs in 10.2 innings this season, while the Dodgers counter with righty Dustin May, who’s pitched to a 3.18 ERA in four starts since returning from the injured list. ## Why this matters A single throwing error in the ninth inning decided a tightly contested game, underscoring how small mistakes can swing outcomes in high-pressure moments. For the Dodgers, the walk-off extends a hot stretch and keeps them in the mix for playoff positioning, while the Orioles’ loss exposes the fragility of leads when defense falters in critical spots. The Dodgers’ bullpen resilience and the Orioles’ late-inning collapse highlight the razor-thin margins that separate wins from losses in a crowded NL West race where every game carries outsized weight. The Orioles’ inability to close out games—now four blown saves—raises questions about their bullpen’s mental fortitude, while the Dodgers’ clutch hitting and bullpen dominance suggest they’re peaking at the right time. ## Frequently asked ### Who scored the winning run for the Dodgers? Dalton Rushing scored the go-ahead run after Tyler O'Neill's throwing error allowed him to advance to second base. ### What was the final score of the game? The Dodgers defeated the Orioles 6-5 in the bottom of the ninth inning at Dodger Stadium. ### Which Orioles player hit a home run in the game? Ryan Mountcastle hit a two-run homer in the top of the ninth to tie the game 5-5 before the Dodgers' walk-off. ### How did the Dodgers tie the game in the seventh inning? Max Muncy hit a solo home run in the seventh inning to tie the game at 4-4. ### Who were the starting pitchers for the Dodgers and Orioles? Clayton Kershaw started for the Dodgers and allowed four runs in five innings, while Grayson Rodriguez pitched six innings for the Orioles, surrendering two runs. ### How has the Dodgers' bullpen performed recently? The Dodgers' bullpen has been reliable, with Evan Phillips striking out the side in the eighth to keep the game within reach, continuing a stretch where they’ve limited opponents to one run over the last 12 innings. ## Sources & Citations - [A ninth-inning throwing error lifts the Dodgers past the Orioles 6-5](http://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=401815823) — ESPN (2026-06-20) --- Cite: Ninth-inning error hands Dodgers walk-off win over Orioles. Sportopod, 2026-07-01. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/a-ninth-inning-throwing-error-lifts-the-dodgers-past-the-ori-0be5eb95