What a night yesterday. I know there are some purists out there who hate the wild card concept; however, if it was not for that – the drama we had on Wednesday night would not have existed.
You could not have scripted what happened in your wildest dreams on in a Hollywood script…
The Orioles were playing a completely meaningless game to them in terms of their final result. Their season was well over – like in July.
However, Buck Showalter had his guys playing out on Wednesday like it was a pennant clincher for them.
Despite another losing season, today in Baltimore and in Birdland, a sense of happiness arose on the horizon this morning.
Yes, the Orioles defeated the Red Sox, 4-3, thanks a clutch game-winning single from Robert Andino – who has become a vital part of the team after having his role in doubt during Spring Training.
Before that, Nolan Reimold tied the game with an RBI-double off Boston closer Jonathan Papelbon.
I was at the game and stayed through the rain delay.
I left Camden Yards at the end of the 8th inning because of a thing called *work*. I had to be there at 8am all dressed up, so staying into the next day was not an option. This morning, I feel like a sucker.
Even more amazing … after the Orioles win, only a few minutes later, the Rays clinched the American League Wild Card. Evan Longoria’s homer in the 12th inning against the Yankees – which featured an even more improbable comeback – down in Florida made a crazy night even moreso.
On the night, yes starter Alfredo Simon was wildly inconsistent and the Orioles blew chances to score – especially in the seventh inning; however, they left a smile on everyone who rooted for Baltimore with never giving up on the night.
As for the Red Sox fans, it must suck to have seen the reality unfold in person. I fathom that there will be changes with their organization by next year as their utter collapse in the final month was nothing short of stunning.
Their pitching was suspect for final few weeks – despite Lester’s solid outing on Wednesday – and there were quite a few guys on that team who just weren’t hacking it.
Well, the Orioles – who knows what the off-season will bring. I want to say that it is great that they held their own in the final month against playoff contenders; however, this team has a lot of flaws.
Sadly, if the pitching only held up and if the young arms delivered – even somewhat – Baltimore might have been closer to .500 (or perhaps above it) than we as fans realized. Something needs to be done in the offseason to fix it.
Not to say that the Orioles could have even contended this year, but they need to keep drafting, stick with a plan and get some quality arms to support the youngsters in the rotation.
Plus, we should know soon the status of Andy MacPhail in the days to come. That will be interesting.
