(USA Today Sports) -- The team plane for the Baltimore Orioles had its flight to the Tampa area diverted to Jacksonville because of smoke in the forward galley.
A spokesman for the Jacksonville Aviation Authority says the flight Sunday night was headed to St. Petersburg. Spokesman Michael Stewart told the Associated Press the plane instead landed at Jacksonville International Airport.
Stewart says the plane was a Delta charter. He says the aircraft was inspected, deemed OK to fly and left Jacksonville at 10:15 p.m. with the team aboard.
According to MASNsports.com, Ned Rice, a member of the team's baseball operations department, confirmed the emergency landing with a post on his Facebook page.
"Small fire on our team flight to Tampa Bay," he wrote. "They came on and told us we needed to make an emergency landing, and then we were nearly free falling for a few minutes as they raced to get us on the ground as fast as possible. Currently enjoying the beautiful Jacksonville, FL airport while the fire department inspects our plane. Hope this trip is worth it!"
The Orioles beat Boston 6-3 in Baltimore on Sunday afternoon. The Orioles later clinched a playoff spot when the Los Angeles Angels lost at Texas in the second game of a doubleheader.