DETROIT — Jackson Holliday had four hits. Coby Mayo crushed a two-run home run. The Orioles produced one of their best offensive showings of the season.
The real star at Comerica Park in Detroit on Monday night was a black squirrel who paraded around the field for the better part of two innings.
At one point, Orioles third base coach Buck Britton took a sunflower seed out of his mouth and threw it at the squirrel to make sure the animal had a snack.
In the middle of the seventh, the squirrel led a throng of grounds crew members on a wild goose — er, squirrel — chase through right field.
Right fielder Leody Taveras tried to help. He even got his glove on the squirmy squirrel, accidentally flipping it in the air. As squirrels are able to do, the guy or gal landed on its feet, then began to dodge more grounds crew members.
Finally, one of the grounds crew staff managed to toss a towel over the squirrel. He picked the animal up with a towel still on it and ran off the field.
The Banner has requested comment from the Tigers regarding the condition of the squirrel.
As the grounds crew chased the squirrel, the crowd booed.
Before play resumed for the bottom of the seventh, home plate umpire Bill Miller made an announcement to the crowd.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to thank the grounds crew. Let’s give ‘em a round of applause. The Detroit Tigers grounds crew, thank you!” Miller said.
This isn’t the first time a wily black squirrel has made an apperance at Comerica Park. Another one — or maybe even the same one — ran around the field on May 27, 2025.
At one point Monday night, a mourning dove was also standing on the warning track of the field. Between Orioles and Tigers and squirrels and mourning doves, Comerica Park was practically a zoo.
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