Orioles Win Makes AL Wild Card Very Tight Race

As you know there are two wild card teams this season. You also know that after the Orioles dropped out of position for that 2nd wild card, they have won 3 straight. Well guess what? Now they have won 4! Because of the win, the wild card race is a tight one.

The Baltimore Orioles moved to 50-44 with the victory. It tied them for the 2nd spot and moved them only a 1/2 game back of the 1st wild card. The Angels hold the 1st wild card. They just dropped a game to Texas and are 51-44. The Chicago White Sox looked like they were going to win the central, but they just lost 4 straight and the Tigers won 4 straight. Therefore, the White Sox are 50-44 as well. Chicago dropped out of 1st and into a tie with Baltimore, etc. Finally, the red hot A's are also 50-44.
Here are the wild card standings
Los Angeles 51-44
Baltimore 50-44
Chicago 50-44
Oakland 50-44

The Orioles also are now only 7 games behind New York after this winning streak. We can only hope that the streak continues.

What is one reason for the streak? Ryan Flaherty suddenly decided to play some baseball. The Rule 5 pick hit his 4th home run tonight. In the process, Flaherty  improved his average to .200. It will be interesting to see how long Flaherty can keep this up.

Another reason for the success is the starting pitching. Orioles starters registered their 4th straight quality start last night. This one was registered by Chris Tillman. If you remember, Tillman didn't get out of the 1st inning in his last outing. However, this time, Tillman only gave up 1 run in 6 2/3 to improve to 2-1. Despite Tillman's struggles last time, his ERA sits at 1.15, that is because of poor defense behind him in the previous 2 starts. The O's amazingly had no defensive struggles last night. In his next outing, Tillman will again try to deliver a 2nd straight victory for the first time in his career.

The bullpen was also impressive. Strop picked up his 16th hold after pitching a scoreless 8th. This lowered Strop's ERA to 1.47. Then Jim Johnson picked up his 29th save! Johnson now has an ERA of 2.38. The back end of the Orioles' bullpen is as good as anybody. Strop and Johnson are filthy.

There were other heroes with the bat, too many to name. I will say that Jim Thome hit another massive home run. Thome now has 2 Oriole homers and we are hoping for many more. Nick Markakis had 2 hits also raising his average to .273. #21 is doing quite well in the leadoff spot.

In roster news, Steve Pearce was the roster casualty to make room for Omar Quintanilla. Pearce was designated for assignment prior to yesterday's game. This move gives the Orioles three middle infielders, but considering Chris Davis has been playing LF, it was more likely that Tolleson would get at bats than Pearce. Pearce was DFA and the Orioles now will see if he clears waivers. It would be cool if he can stay in the organization, because then they may be able to move him later. Welcome aboard, Omar!

-Noland