This week’s four-game series between the Baltimore Orioles and the Toronto Blue Jays was a roller coaster of highs and lows.
The Orioles dominated the first two games of the series, outscoring the Blue Jays 17-3 and making Toronto manager John Schneider regret his comments that Baltimore was not the 1927 New York Yankees.
But the series turned around in Game 3 on Wednesday when the Orioles’ offense finally went cold and the Blue Jays won a hard-fought pitching duel. The game was tied 2-2 for much of the game, but Baltimore’s reliable closer Craig Kimbrel stumbled in the bottom of the ninth, giving up a walk-off hit to Isaiah Kiner-Falefa with two outs to hand the Blue Jays their first loss since April 28.
The Orioles had a chance to bounce back and win the series on Thursday, but the final game was even more heartbreaking, as Baltimore fell behind 6-1 and fought back late to lose again by one run.
#Orioles Records in one-run games:
2023: 30-16
2024: 6-10— Orioles Fans Say (@OriolesFansSay) June 6, 2024
The Orioles have lost consecutive games for the fifth time this season and the first time to a division rival. Baltimore has not lost consecutive games to an AL East opponent since losing to the Tampa Bay Rays on Sept. 14 and 15 of last year.
But that doesn’t matter, as the Orioles are 13-6 this year against the AL East. What’s more concerning is their record in games decided by one run, falling to 6-10 with their last two losses. Baltimore has now lost five straight games decided by one run.
It’s the type of game the Orioles can’t afford to lose if they want to catch the rising Yankees in the standings. Baltimore is 4.5 games behind New York, which has won eight straight since sweeping the Minnesota Twins.
June has been a tough month for the Orioles, so some tough losses were expected. They’ll try to get another win on Friday night at Tampa Bay. Cole Irvin (5-2, 2.84 ERA) will look to continue his strong form in Baltimore, while the lineup will look to capitalize on struggling Aaron Civale (2-4, 5.37 ERA).
