Baltimore Orioles: AL East Race to be Decide Tonight
By Joe Serpico
Any realistic chance for the Baltimore Orioles to win the AL East comes down to tonight’s game against the Boston Red Sox.
There was plenty to feel good about heading into Monday night. Two days later, the season could be on the brink of total failure.
The Baltimore Orioles picked a bad time to go into a slump. They have scored only two runs in each of the past four games and are batting .198 over that span. The worst stat is that they have just eight extra base hits compared to 26 strikeouts.
Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox are hitting at a blistering pace to start the series. They have 20 hits in the two games and have made key plays in the right moments.
David Ortiz is making the most of his last series in Camden Yards – he still owes the Orioles for the telephone he smashed – ending Kevin Gausman‘s night in the seventh. The three-run home run was his second of the series and ultimately gave Boston the win.
It is gut check time for the Orioles. They are now five games back in the American League East. Another loss tonight basically ends any shot at winning the division, and opens the door for those chasing the final wild card spot to inch one game closer.
Boston’s magic number is down to eight games, while the Detroit Tigers are within 1 1/2 games from the O’s in the wild card chase. After losing four of their last six games, Baltimore has 11 games to fend off the rest of the AL.
Next: Opportunity to Take AL East is Now
Taking the next two games brings the O’s back within striking distance in the division and keeps the Tigers at bay. The starter for tonight’s pivotal matchup: Ubaldo Jimenez. He’s been electric as of late, but that is what scares us most. That bad outing is looming at the wrong time.