Orioles clinch the AL East title with their 100th win of the season, 2-0 over Red Sox

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The Baltimore Orioles secured their 100th win of the season, clinching the AL East title with a 2-0 victory over the Boston Red Sox. The moment of triumph arrived as Ramón Urías expertly fielded a grounder and threw to first for the final out, prompting the Orioles to jubilantly gather on the mound. Their celebratory pace, some walking while others jogged or skipped, seemed to reflect the grueling and often exhausting nature of the race for the AL East title.

The pivotal game featured standout performances, including Anthony Santander’s home run and DL Hall’s remarkable escape from a sixth-inning jam. Pitcher Dean Kremer (13-5) played a crucial role, allowing just two hits and a walk while striking out eight in 5 1/3 innings. This victory marked the sixth time in the team’s history and the first since 1980 that the Orioles reached the coveted 100-win milestone. Their achievement was even more impressive considering the fierce competition within the division, which relegated the Red Sox and New York Yankees to secondary positions.

Notably, the Orioles, who had endured challenging seasons in 2019 and 2021, will now enter the postseason as the top seed in the American League. Manager Brandon Hyde acknowledged the perseverance of his team and the significance of this accomplishment.

Before the final whistle, there was additional excitement at Camden Yards. The team announced a long-term agreement with the state that ensures the Orioles will remain in Baltimore for at least the next 30 years, extending their lease beyond the previous expiration date in 2023. During the seventh-inning stretch, fans were treated to the presence of Orioles legend Cal Ripken in the stands.

This AL East title holds particular significance for the Orioles, as it is only their fifth division championship since 1969, with the last one occurring in 2014. Their most recent pennant and World Series victory dates back to 1983.

The road to this AL East crown was challenging, with Tampa Bay initially dominating the season, but the Orioles clawed their way back into contention. Despite doubts early on, Manager Hyde expressed confidence in his team’s ability to compete throughout the lengthy season.

It’s worth noting that the Orioles have maintained an impressive streak, going 91 consecutive series of at least two decisions without being swept.

Santander’s home run against Chris Sale in the first inning provided the Orioles with a crucial 1-0 lead. In the sixth inning, DL Hall stepped in to relieve Kremer and skillfully retired pinch-hitter Adam Duvall and Alex Verdugo, preventing the Red Sox from capitalizing on a scoring opportunity.

The crowd’s energy surged with each scoreless inning by the Orioles, culminating in an 8th-inning RBI double by pinch-hitter Heston Kjerstad that extended their lead. Tyler Wells closed out the game with a flawless ninth inning, earning his first save of the season and igniting the celebration.

Adley Rutschman, the star catcher turned designated hitter for the Orioles in this historic game, shared his feelings of excitement and anxiety as he watched Wells secure the win.

In terms of their performance against divisional rivals, the Orioles have excelled, boasting a 31-18 record against AL East opponents, including a 6-4 record against the Red Sox.

On the injury front, the Red Sox placed RHP Chris Martin on the 15-day injured list due to a viral infection. In contrast, the Orioles welcomed back 1B Ryan Mountcastle, who drew a walk and was hit by a pitch in the game.

The next matchup features Orioles LHP John Means (1-1) facing off against Boston’s Nick Pivetta (9-9) on Friday night, promising another thrilling chapter in this AL East showdown.

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• Baltimore Orioles Official Website: For official information and updates about the Baltimore Orioles.

• MLB Official Website: To access comprehensive Major League Baseball coverage, including news, scores, and standings.

• Cal Ripken Jr.: Learn more about Cal Ripken Jr., an Orioles legend, and Hall of Famer.

• AL East Standings: For up-to-date American League East division standings.

• Camden Yards: Explore information about Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the Orioles’ home stadium.