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Despite a Strong Effort Baltimore Orioles Out of Players’ Tournament

By Kristen Bentley

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JUNE 25: Dwight Smith Jr. #35 of the Baltimore Orioles watches as a home run hit by Manuel Margot #7 of the San Diego Padres (not pictured) goes into the stands during the fourth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 25, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JUNE 25: Dwight Smith Jr. #35 of the Baltimore Orioles watches as a home run hit by Manuel Margot #7 of the San Diego Padres (not pictured) goes into the stands during the fourth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 25, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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The virtual Baltimore Orioles played two playoff games last night in the MLB: The Show Players’ Tournament.

Unfortunately, Dwight Smith Jr.‘s Baltimore Orioles just weren’t enough to overcome the New York Mets.

But, the Orioles did not go down without a fight, and lost 3-2 and 3-1. The Orioles were actually ahead in the first game, thanks to a home run by Chris Davis off of ace pitcher Jacob deGrom. But, the Mets benefitted from home-field advantage when J.D. Davis hit a walk-off to seal the win.

In the second game, the Mets won with their bats again. This time it was Brandon Nimmo who hit a go-ahead homer off of Hunter Harvey. If you missed the action, you can catch the 50-minutes of playoff action here.

While it’s not much of a surprise that a team like the Mets made it to the playoffs, the Orioles making it was big news. The virtual O’s – just like the humans – were the lowest rated team coming into this tournament.

Smith Jr. used his video-game managerial skills to create a real Cinderella story. And even though he’s out of the tournament, he deserves some recognition. While hand-eye coordination is a major factor of any video game, this one involves knowing baseball and figuring out how to get the most from your players. Check out this video from an earlier game against the Twins:

The Players’ Tournament provided some much needed excitement for fans. Every game was streamed, giving fans the opportunity to cheer on their teams, even if only for three innings. Smith Jr. quickly became a favorite with fans and gamers for his adept play.

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"Smith Jr. told MLB.com’s Manny Randhawa that “This league was awesome, and I would definitely do it again.”"

Each participant had to work with the actual players on their team’s roster. Considering that Smith Jr. was in the playoffs with the Mets, Dodgers, and Cubs – just to name a few – is quite an accomplishment.

The Orioles weren’t the only team that was swept from the tournament. Blake Snell swept Gavin Lux in two games as well. Tonight, the quarterfinals continue with Joey Gallo against Ian Happ and Lucas Giolito against Bo Bichette.

Next. The Cancer Stories of Eric David and Trey Mancini. dark

The players do get more than bragging rights. Their local Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs received $5,000 donations in their names. The winner’s local club gets $25,000.

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