Orioles Clinch a Postseason Berth
The Orioles could win the American League East, but will at worst earn a wild card berth.
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The Orioles clinched a playoff berth Sunday, meaning Baltimore will experience postseason baseball for the first time since 1997.
With Sunday's win, the Orioles (92-67) swept Boston. That victory, combined with the Rangers evening win against the Angels, eliminated the Angles from postseason contention, assuring the Orioles of their first playoff appearance since winning the American League East in 1997.
Texas lost Game 1 of a doubleheader Sunday, but rebounded to win the second game, 8-7, against a pesky Angels bunch.
Texas clinched a playoff spot, as well, and maintains a lead over Oakland in the American League West. Oakland trails the Orioles in the wild card standings, but would be in the playoffs if the season ended Sunday.
Detroit needs a win or a White Sox loss to eliminate Chicago in the Central. Tampa Bay remains alive in the wild card hunt—but a loss to the Orioles at any point would eliminate the Rays.
The Orioles stayed on the field to watch the final outcome of the first Rangers-Angels game Sunday, as an energized crowd remained in the ballpark with "O-mazing!" flashed on the right field out-of-town scoreboard. But the Angels rallied for two runs in the top of the ninth, sending the players into the clubhouse with their playoff fate undetermined.
The players acknowledged the fans on the way into the dugout, with manager Buck Showalter staying behind for a moment to wave to the crowd.
The Orioles remain in the hunt for the American League East division title, but at worst will play in a Friday wild card game. The winner of that single wild card game would move into the American League Division Series.
The Yankees won Sunday, remaining in a tie with the Orioles for the division lead.
Where the Orioles ultimately finish will be determined in their final series, which begins Monday at Tampa Bay. The season ends Wednesday.
For a breakdown of postseason schedules, click here.
Stay with Patch for updates.
TELL US: Do you have postseason tickets? Which game would you be attending?
LaRue
6:19 am on Monday, October 1, 2012
The Mighty Baltimore Orioles!
David Stoll
7:19 am on Monday, October 1, 2012
I hate this one game playoff for the Wild Card. You get all excited with the big build up of "making the playoffs" and it can be over in one game. Could have at least made it 2 out of 3. Hopefully they can win the AL East and not have to worry about it. It will be ashamed for any team to lose that one game "playoff" after playing so hard just to get there.
Other Tim
8:48 am on Monday, October 1, 2012
At first thought, it seems like a money grab, but a best of 3- or 5- game playoff would bring in more. Don't understand a one game playoff at all. Especially in the O's case. If the Yankees and the O's both win their final 3 games, they will need to have a one game playoff to decide who plays in the one game playoff.
Honeygo Hal
9:40 am on Monday, October 1, 2012
One game for the Wildcard playin is not too terrible, but if it becomes 3-5 game playoff it lengthens the season by a week, and before you know it they're playing the World Series on Thanksgiving.
The one game between the Yankees & Os would be to determine the division winner. It just happens that it would affect the Wildcard, but in another scenario it might not - like another division where the records aren't as good.
Go Os!
F. Michael Blair
10:06 am on Monday, October 1, 2012
It's bad enough that, by the time we are finished with the World Series, it will be mid-October. Adding 2 or 4 more games, plus travel dates & TV scheduling, will put the end of the season in late October to early November. No thanks!
Parkvillehoney
1:09 pm on Monday, October 1, 2012
It was so great to see families, especially sons and fathers at the game rooting for the Orioles. I can't wait to start this tradition with our grandsons. I was a little late on the Oriole train but I already have my dates circled for 2013 home games. Go Orioles!
Pat Foster
7:57 am on Monday, October 1, 2012
Regardless of the outcome the Omazing Orioles have given us a great season! They are the best example of what can come from team work and good sportsmanship! I have been an O's fan my entire life and have seen many great teams. The 2012 O's are up there with the best! Thanks for a great season!!
Michael Brockmeyer
8:09 am on Monday, October 1, 2012
Well as of two weeks ago I still felt and stated that they would not even make the playoffs and I was WRONG. I will no longer doubt anything this team can do and it has been a great ride. We need to win the division. Go O's !!!!
Tim
9:33 am on Monday, October 1, 2012
Hopefully the Red Sox can salvage something out of their abomination of a season by at least forcing the Yankees into that one game playoff.
Go O's!
Tom Kiefaber
11:02 am on Monday, October 1, 2012
I'm happy for you Adam, as such an avid birds fan. It's always an eye opener, though, to see how many folks post comments over a sports matter, rather than our societal problems in Baltimore, incrementally taking our city down the tubes. Time for me to become an instant fan for the playoffs. If there's grass on the field, play ball!