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The Baltimore Orioles haven’t had much to celebrate this season, but Monday night in Arlington gave them a moment of swagger. Gunnar Henderson’s home run in the top of the 10th inning broke a 3-3 tie and came with an exclamation point — a bat flip that instantly went viral. The moment came during the Orioles vs. Texas Rangers extra-inning battle, which ultimately ended in a 10-6 Baltimore win after 11 hard-fought innings.
Entering the game, Baltimore had lost ground in the AL East standings, sitting 11.5 games behind the first place New York Yankees. Henderson made sure his team’s push for win No. 37 came with a statement. His 403-foot shot to right field was his only homer of the game — and his 10th of the season. MLB’s official X (formerly Twitter) account captured the iconic flip in a now-widely shared post.
“If you're looking to catch a vibe this summer, Gunnar Henderson has you covered 😎”
If you're looking to catch a vibe this summer, Gunnar Henderson has you covered 😎 pic.twitter.com/0DzV4xvyAO
— MLB (@MLB) July 1, 2025
Henderson's blast came off Rangers reliever Robert Garcia with a runner on and no outs. His home run gave the Orioles a 5-3 lead, though Texas quickly tied the game in the bottom half. Still, Henderson’s moment was symbolic — not just for the scoreboard but for the energy he injected into a team desperate for spark.
Henderson’s production came at a critical time. The 23-year-old shortstop ended the night 2-for-5 with two runs scored, four RBIs, and a double to go along with his towering 10th-inning homer. He now sits at 10 home runs and 27 RBIs across 77 games, providing consistent power and timely hitting for a Baltimore team that has struggled to generate runs during key moments. His rising OPS and ability to impact the game in multiple ways are keeping him at the center of the Orioles' offensive identity.
The bat flip culture has drawn criticism in years past, but this one was met with praise. Fans online hailed Henderson’s confidence and flair, noting the importance of emotion in a sport often criticized for being too stoic.
This wasn’t just a highlight-reel moment. For the O’s, it was a pulse check. Baltimore remains buried in a loaded division, but Henderson’s performance could be the kind of night that shifts momentum. With AL East standings tightening and 79 games left, every flash of brilliance matters.
In a game where the pressure built inning by inning, Henderson gave the Orioles something they’ve sorely needed, a reason to believe again.
