Checking in on the remaining Orioles in the World Baseball Classic

Entering play last night, only two Baltimore Orioles remained active in the World Baseball Classic: right fielder Anthony Santander and centerfielder Cedric Mullins. Following the United States' thrilling 9-7 win over Venezuela on Saturday night, Mullins now stands alone.

Saturday night's win over Venezuela was one for the ages: Phillies' shortstop Trea Turner's 8th inning grand slam put the United States up for good in a back-and-forth affair in Miami. Despite the explosion of offense (16 runs), the two Orioles combined to go a quiet 0-5 Saturday night. Santander started in right field and went 0-4. He popped to third in the first, flied to center in the third, walked in the fifth, struck out in the seventh, and popped out to end the game in the ninth.

Non roster invite Darwinzon Hernandez, acquired in the offseason from the Boston Red Sox, was also on Venezuela's roster for the WBC, but did not appear in any of the five games played for Venezuela, who ended the tournament with a 4-1 record. Former Orioles catcher Robinson Chirinos was also playing for Venezuela.

While Santander will now return to Sarasota, Florida to finish spring training, Mullins will again be sporting the red, white, and blue USA jersey Sunday night when the United States battles Cuba for a spot in the World Baseball Classic championship. Mullins did not start last night but entered the game in left field as a defensive replacement for Kyle Tucker in the ninth inning. None of the three outs recorded in the ninth inning was hit to Mullins.

Overall, Mullins has had a quiet WBC, his lone hit an RBI triple against Canada on March 13. With Cuba starting lefthander Roenis Elias in tonight's game, Mullins will likely start the game on the bench for the United States

While he probably won't be starting again in the WBC as team USA continues it's run, Mullins will still serve an important role as a defensive replacement and also a potential pinch running candidate off the bench.