Orioles Outfielder Ejected as Baltimore Drops First Game of Doubleheader Against Twins

On Wednesday, May 14, 2025, the Baltimore Orioles faced the Minnesota Twins in a doubleheader at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The first game of the twin bill ended in a 6–3 defeat for the Orioles, extending their recent struggles. A pivotal moment in the game occurred in the sixth inning when Orioles outfielder Ramón Laureano was ejected after a heated exchange with home plate umpire James Hoye. Laureano’s ejection added to the team’s mounting frustrations and highlighted the emotional intensity of the game.

In the sixth inning, with the Orioles trailing 6–3, Laureano stepped up to the plate with two outs and a full count. He took a 3–2 pitch from Twins pitcher Sonny Gray, which was called a strike by umpire Hoye. Laureano, visibly frustrated with the call, spiked his helmet onto the ground. Umpire Hoye promptly ejected him from the game. The Orioles’ dugout erupted in disbelief, with manager Brandon Hyde and other players expressing their disapproval of the decision.

Laureano’s ejection came at a critical juncture in the game. With the Orioles trailing by three runs and facing a full count, Laureano’s at-bat represented a potential turning point. His removal from the game disrupted the team’s momentum and added to the mounting pressure. Despite a late rally, the Orioles were unable to overcome the deficit, ultimately falling to the Twins 6–3.

Ejections, especially those involving key players, have been a part of baseball’s rich history. Managers like Earl Weaver of the Orioles were known for their fiery interactions with umpires, leading to numerous ejections over his career. Weaver’s confrontations with umpire Ron Luciano became legendary, highlighting the passion and intensity that often accompany the game. While the modern game has seen a decrease in such confrontations, moments like Laureano’s ejection serve as a reminder of the emotional stakes involved.

Following the game, Laureano addressed the media, expressing his frustration with the strike zone and the ejection. “I felt the pitch was outside, and to be tossed like that in such a critical moment was tough,” he said. Manager Brandon Hyde also voiced his displeasure, stating, “It’s a tough situation. We need our guys to stay composed, but that was a big call in a big moment.”

The Orioles’ front office has yet to comment on whether they plan to appeal the ejection or take any further action. For now, the team is focusing on regrouping for the second game of the doubleheader, hoping to salvage a split and avoid a sweep.

The Orioles’ loss in the first game of the doubleheader against the Twins serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of baseball. Ejections, while disruptive, are part of the game’s fabric, reflecting the high stakes and emotions involved. As the season progresses, the Orioles will need to maintain their composure and focus to navigate the challenges ahead.

For fans and players alike, moments like these underscore the passion and unpredictability that make baseball a compelling sport to follow. The Orioles will look to bounce back in the second game, aiming to even the series and continue their pursuit of success in the 2025 season.

In conclusion, the ejection of Ramón Laureano in the first game of the doubleheader against the Twins added a layer of drama to an already intense matchup. While the Orioles were unable to secure a victory, the incident highlighted the emotional investment of the players and the high-stakes nature of the game. As the season unfolds, such moments will continue to shape the narrative of the Orioles’ journey.