Baltimore Orioles hold moment of silence to pay tribute to the victims of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse ahead of MLB opening day against LA Angels after Dali cargo ship struck

The Baltimore Orioles paid tribute to the victims of the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge ahead of their opening game Thursday. 

Two bodies were recovered by rescuers amid the search for the construction workers who were killed when the stricken Dali container ship collided with the bridge in the early hours of Tuesday, destroying it.

After the shocking collapse struck Baltimore earlier this week, the city's MLB franchise honored the victims at Oriole Park in Camden Yards Thursday afternoon. 

The AL East team kicked off its 2024 campaign against the Los Angeles Angels in the first game of the new MLB season at 3.05pm ET.

Ahead of the ceremonial first pitch, the team paid tribute by holding a moment's silence for the victims before the national anthem, written by Francis Scott Key, was sung. 

 Baltimore Orioles paid tribute following the terrifying collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge

Four members of the Baltimore City Fire Department dive team were said to be in the city box at the game.

The team had announced their plans to pay respect to the victims and first responders earlier on Thursday, in a statement that read: 'The Orioles will hold a special moment of silence following the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, honoring the victims and their families and sharing an appreciation for our city's brave first responders who immediately stepped into action.'

The Orioles also canceled a workout and rally for fans that had been scheduled for Tuesday night in light of the bridge collapse.

The organization joined Baltimore's NFL team, the Ravens, in insisting the city will 'stand together' following the terrifying collapse earlier this week. 

Amid the frantic search for those plunged into the river, the Ravens and the Orioles have issued poignant statements on Tuesday morning. Both teams heaped praise on rescuers while backing Baltimore to unite in the aftermath of the tragedy.

The Ravens first wrote: 'Our hearts go out to those who have been affected by the horrific Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse early this morning. 

'We are grateful for the first responders and local leaders who are on scene to lead the search and rescue efforts and to support those families who have been most directly impacted.

'We know that the Baltimore community will stand together in the aftermath of this tragic event.'

NFL team the Ravens heaped praise on rescue workers attempting to save dozens of lives

MLB's Orioles echoed those words while telling the city 'together we will get through this'

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson sent his 'heart, thoughts and prayers' to those affected

Quarterback Lamar Jackson also posted: 'For the people and their families that was apart of the collapsing Bridge in Baltimore my heart, thoughts and prayers are with you all…'

The Orioles echoed those words by saying: 'We are devastated by the news of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, and send our thoughts and prayers to those impacted by this tragedy.

'We thank the brave first responders and the men and women actively working on rescue efforts.

'Baltimore, we're a tight-knit and resilient city. Together we will get through this.'