Image of Baltimore Orioles manager Brandon Hyde (wearing jersey number 18) celebrating with a toast in the locker room on September 28, 2023, in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, after winning the American League Championship against the Boston Red Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Photo credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
In a big game, the Baltimore Orioles hit their 100th win of the season and secured the AL East championship by beating the Boston Red Sox 2-0 on Thursday night.
Dean Kremer’s Outstanding Pitching
Dean Kremer, who had a record of 13 wins and 5 losses, pitched for 5 1/3 innings, allowing only two hits and one walk while striking out eight batters. This victory marked the sixth time in the team’s history that they reached 100 wins, with the last time being in 1980. The Orioles had a tough season competing in a strong division that included the Red Sox and the New York Yankees.
Orioles’ Journey to AL East Triumph
The Orioles, who just two years ago lost 110 games, are now the top seed in the American League and will be heading to the postseason.
It was a night of celebration at Camden Yards as the team announced that they had secured an agreement with the state to keep the Orioles in Baltimore for at least the next 30 years. This was important because their lease at Camden Yards was going to end in 2023.
During the seventh-inning stretch, Orioles fans were treated to the presence of Orioles legend Cal Ripken.
AL East Victory: A Remarkable Feat
This is the fifth time the Orioles have won the AL East since 1969 when divisional play began, with the last time being in 2014. The Orioles’ most recent pennant and World Series win was in 1983.
Crucial Moments in the Game
It was a challenging journey to win the AL East this season. Tampa Bay had a strong start, winning 13 games in a row, and had a 6 1/2 game lead over the Orioles in early May. However, the Orioles fought hard, won some crucial games, and eventually overtook Tampa Bay after the All-Star break.
Closing the Game for AL East Glory
The Orioles have shown resilience by not being swept in 91 consecutive series with at least two decisions. Santander’s home run in the first inning against Chris Sale gave the Orioles an early lead of 1-0. In the sixth inning, with the Red Sox threatening, DL Hall came in to relieve Kremer and managed to retire the next two batters, Adam Duvall and Alex Verdugo.
Hall continued to pitch in the seventh inning, and Yennier Cano got two outs in the eighth inning. Cionel Pérez retired Rafael Devers in the eighth inning with a man on second base.
The Orioles added another run in the eighth inning with an RBI double by pinch-hitter Heston Kjerstad. Tyler Wells pitched a flawless ninth inning to earn his first save of the season, and the Orioles began celebrating their AL East victory.
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