The first thing the Aberdeen IronBirds had to do was take care of business on their end. Once that was done, it was waiting to see what other teams did to help out.
The IronBirds would complete a six-game sweep of the Greenville Drive to end the second half 34-31 (66-63 overall) but would fall short of the playoffs. Aberdeen would finish in third place, 3.5 games out of first.
The season ends on a high note, and manager Roberto Mercado did a fine job helping guide and build young prospects for advancement through the Orioles’ farm system.
Let’s see who stood out in the final series of the season:
SAMUEL BASALLO – C/1B
The Orioles have a long history of developing catching prospects. As Adley Rutschman is the class of O’s development, Samuel Basallo is keeping that tradition alive at just 19 years of age.
Basallo arrived in Aberdeen on August 1, and the IronBirds’ opponents hoped that he would move on before facing them. Against the Drive, Basallo would reach base 12 times (nine hits and three walks), as he was a key figure in the outcome of the series.
In Thursday’s IronBirds’ 6-5 victory, it was Basallo who came up big. He would go 3-for-5 with a home run, a double, a run scored and three RBIs. The home run was hit in the bottom of the ninth with two outs and the game tied for a walk-off.
With Basallo having this walk-off, as well as a monster week, he was named South Atlantic League Player of the Week.
Basallo finished the week with a .474 average and a 1.650 OPS. He hit five home runs, including one hit in three straight games from September 6-8, while driving in seven runs and collecting 23 total bases.
MAC HORVATH – OF
A second-round pick in this year’s draft, Mac Horvath quickly jumped into High-A Aberdeen after slashing .308/.422/.500 in Low-A Delmarva.
Horvath appears as a standout this week, more so for his on-base prowess (six walks in five games) and collecting three extra-base hits out of his four hits across the series.
Horvath had his best game in the IronBirds’ 11-7 victory on September 5. He would go 2-for-4 at the plate with two home runs, three runs scored, three RBIs and a stolen base in the game.
In Aberdeen, Horvath batted .235/.435/.647 with two homers, three RBIs, six walks and five stolen bases. Overall, the North Carolina product played in 22 games across three levels and slashed .321/.455/.603 with five home runs, seven doubles, 11 RBIs, 26 runs scored, 14 stolen bases and 19 walks.
KYLE VIRBITSKY – RHP
No matter how hard we try, we can’t escape right-handed pitcher Kyle Virbitsky. His growth will surely push him into the O’s top 30 prospect rankings before it’s all said and done.
Virbitsky would post his second one-hit shutout in four starts as he guided the IronBirds to a 3-0 victory on September 8.
The 24-year-old would pitch six innings, allowing three base runners (one hit, one walk and one hit batter) while striking out eight. He threw 93 pitches (54 strikes) as he picked up his sixth victory.
The young righty has now appeared in 25 games (15 starts) compiling a 6-1 record with two holds and a save. Across 103.1 innings, he has compiled 103 strikeouts, holding opponents to a .215 average and a 1.17 WHIP.
The Aberdeen IronsBirds were able to compile a winning record but fell short of a second consecutive postseason birth. As fans, we were able to watch strong prospects like Jackson Holliday, and some veteran players like John Means come through and contribute towards that winning record.
Aberdeen goes into the offseason looking ahead to starting the offseason programs. We want to wish the IronBirds a congratulations on their season. Even though they fell short of their goal, they were successful in the growth of players in one of the top farm systems in baseball.
Who stood out to you for Aberdeen this week or for the entire season? Let us know in the comments below! Make sure to follow The Baltimore Battery on Facebook, Twitter (X) and TikTok, and use the hashtag #baltimorebattery when sharing our content!
Represent The Baltimore Battery and show off your fandom with our official merchandise! Reasonably-priced attire made just for you! Visit our official shop site by clicking here!
Like Stephen’s content? Follow him on X – @SRJHeckman, and listen to the official podcast of The Baltimore Battery, The Final Strike, anywhere you get your podcasts!
THE BALTIMORE BATTERY 
Leave a comment