Orioles Manager Albernaz Fractures Jaw on Foul Ball, Returns for Win

Baltimore Orioles manager Craig Albernaz suffered a broken jaw and multiple facial fractures after being struck in the face by a foul ball during Monday night's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The incident occurred in the bottom of the fifth inning, but Albernaz returned to the dugout in time to witness his team's dramatic 9-7 comeback victory.

The foul ball, clocked at 70.6 miles per hour, came off the bat of Orioles second baseman Jeremiah Jackson as he faced Arizona starter Ryne Nelson. Jackson fouled off a 95.9 mph fastball, sending the ball rocketing toward the first-base dugout where Albernaz stood on the top step. Albernaz, who attempted to turn away, was hit on the right side of his face and immediately received assistance from medical staff. He was escorted to the clubhouse for evaluation, with bench coach Donnie Ecker assuming managerial duties.

Albernaz, 43, sustained a broken jaw along with six or seven facial fractures, according to team reports. He did not require surgery and was said to be in good spirits, though officials planned precautionary scans on Tuesday. "He's doing good," Ecker told reporters after the game. "Just as...