Bob Haynie: Orioles Continue To Handle Their Division
Jonathan Schoop and Adam Jones both went deep in the eighth inning to provide the drama as the Baltimore Orioles came from behind to stun the New York Yankees 5-2 on Wednesday night at Camden Yards. The home run heroics gave the Birds a sweep of the rain-shortened two-game series against the Yanks and extended their lead in the American League East to a season-high 7.5 games.
Four of Schoop's 11 HR's have come against Yankee pitching as the rookie 2B continues to rise to the occasion against New York. For Jones, it was another case of him showing the world that he is the best player on the club. His 23rd HR was also his 12th career go-ahead shot in the eighth inning or later. Only Eddie Murray (23), Cal Ripken Jr. (18) and Brooks Robinson (17) have done that more as an Oriole.
With Wednesday's win, the Orioles improved to 8-3 against the Yankees and are 30-19 against the AL East. Their division record is the second-best in the majors behind only the L.A. Dodgers who are 32-18 against the NL West.
Not only have the Birds taken care of New York, they are 8-4 against the Tampa Bay Rays. Although the Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox have been more competitive, the Orioles still sport a 7-6 record against both teams.
Obviously, winning within the AL East has been a big key to Baltimore taking control of things since the All-Star break.
The Birds now hit the road to face the Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs. The Orioles are only 9-14 against the AL Central. They are, however, 9-5 in interleague play and have an AL-best 35-24 record on the road.
Despite injuries, things are shaping up nicely for the Orioles during this exciting 2014 season.
A season that is looking more and more like their best since 1997.
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