Bloodied Baltimore Orioles' James McCann hit in face with pitch, remained in game

BALTIMORE - The Baltimore Orioles had an early scare when catcher James McCann was struck in the face with a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays in the first game of Monday's doubleheader at Camden Yards.

McCann remained in the game despite bleeding from his nose after he was hit by a 94.6 mph fastball from Blue Jays pitcher Yariel Rodriguez with the bases loaded in the first inning.

"At first, it's more scary than anything. It's like taking a pretty good right hook," McCann said. "I felt like if I could get the blood to stop flowing then I could stay in the game, and that was what I was able to do."

After he was checked out by trainers, McCann changed his bloodied jersey and stayed at first base.

"I take pride in staying tough, doing what I can to stay on the field," McCann said. "That's what I was able to do today."

He was credited with an RBI in the Orioles' four-run first inning.

McCann started the game and batted ninth while catcher Adley Rutschman sat out the first game of the doubleheader.