The Orioles have a ten game lead over the second place Toronto Blue Jays, after sweeping the Boston Red Sox onWednesday afternoon. The magic number has now dipped to eight. The O’s have been red hot of late, going 13-4 since being swept at Wrigley by the Cubs and won four straight after salvaging a game from Tampa Bay and sweeping the last place Red Sox. All parts of the team have been firing on all cylinders and hope to continue to into October.
The pitching, both starters and bullpen, have been a huge part of the club’s success. Wei-Yen Chen took a perfect game into the sixth inning Wednesday afternoon. Over the past nine games, the starting pitchers have recorded a 1.70 ERA. The bullpen has came in and closed the door after the starting pitchers have finished their jobs, especially the combination of Andrew Miller, Darren O’Day and Zach Britton. Pitching is what wins in the postseason and while the Orioles may not have the names, they have shown in the second half that they have the arms to succeed.
We know the hitting has been great, is great and will in all likelihood continue to be great. The Birds have hit 19 homers more than any team in the majors since the All-Star break. They also continue to hit well with runners in scoring position, hitting .268 as a team on the season.
The defense continues to be excellent has well, with Nick Markakis making a few diving catches during the Boston series, including a fantastic catch in the gap to rob Allen Craig of a hit.
If the Orioles continue to fire on all cylinders, they will be a force to be reckoned with in October.