Blaze channels Brooks Robinson with highlight-reel diving play at third

PITTSBURGH -- Since joining the Orioles on Feb. 5, Blaze Alexander has said multiple times his goal on defense is to “be an athlete.” The 26-year-old utility man has many ways he can do that, considering he’s capable of playing anywhere in the infield or outfield.

What Alexander did on Friday certainly qualified as being an athlete.

In the bottom of the sixth inning during Baltimore’s 5-4 loss to Pittsburgh at PNC Park, Alexander made a tremendous diving play at third base on a ball hit down the left-field line by the Pirates’ Henry Davis. By the time Alexander snagged the chopper, he was on the ground well into foul territory, yet he still stood up and made a perfect throw to first to nab Davis.

Although Davis was initially called safe, a replay review overturned it to an out.

“That play was ridiculous. I mean, Henry Davis thought it was going to be a double down the line, he was running out of the box,” manager Craig Albernaz said. “[Alexander’s] athleticism is one of his calling cards, and the ability for him to play all over the field and have a high defensive upside either way, either spot we put him, is awesome.”

The ball came off Davis’ bat at an exit velocity of 93.1 mph, per Statcast, and he started to take a wider turn while approaching the bag before realizing Alexander was about to make it a close play. Alexander’s ability to get to the ball was impressive, as it took a lunging dive into the grass to even get it in his glove.

Alexander zipped an 83.5 mph throw to first, where Pete Alonso stretched to receive the throw while staying on the bag. It appeared more challenging to have that type of accuracy while standing up than any previous part of the play.

“Honestly, not rushing. It kind of sounds crazy because I’m going away from first base and guy’s running down first,” said Alexander, who was acquired by Baltimore in a trade with Arizona. “Just don’t rush, man. Stay under control, stand up, make a good throw, really. Kind of simple.”

It wouldn’t be simple for most third basemen. And Alexander doesn’t even have many big league reps at the hot corner yet, making 56 starts there over three MLB seasons heading into Friday, while also getting appearances at second, shortstop, left field and center field.

Alexander said he learned from a similar situation in Spring Training. On March 1, he dove for a ball at shortstop during a Grapefruit League game vs. the Red Sox and airmailed a throw when he got back up. That led to conversations with O’s infield coach Miguel Cairo about the mentality it takes to complete those types of plays.

“I’m hunting the ball. It’s easier to hunt the ball than let the ball hunt you,” Alexander said. “It’s just a mindset you have to have out there.”

As for the other side of the ball, how does Alexander feel at the plate during the first week-plus of the 2026 season?

“Just competing right now,” Alexander said. “I wish my swing felt better.”

That may sound like a hitter who is slumping, but Alexander is actually 6-for-15 (.400) with an RBI and three runs scored in five games. He has at least one hit in each of those contests, and he went 2-for-4 on Friday.

Alexander is the first Orioles player to open a season with a hitting streak of at least five games since 2021 (Cedric Mullins, 11) and the first player to begin his stint with Baltimore with a hitting streak that long since 2019 (Dwight Smith Jr., eight).

Despite not making a ton of hard contact -- four of Alexander’s six hits have had exit velocities of 83.5 mph or lower -- he’s getting positive results thus far while hitting mostly in the No. 9 hole.

“Grinding and getting on base, trying to get the boppers up, man,” Alexander said. “They hit one in the gap, I’m scoring from first, you know what I mean? I told Gunnar [Henderson], told [Taylor Ward], I’m going to try to get them 100 RBIs this year.”

The Orioles are 3-4 and have yet to win consecutive games. But Alexander has liked what he’s seen from the club and believes a strong season is ahead.

“You’re going to have ups and downs,” Alexander said. “It’s early, seven games in. I don’t think our offense clicked yet how it’s going to. I think it’s going to be a really, really fun team.”