O\’s Clinch East on Win #100
September 29, 2023
By: Carlos Alvarez
Orioles Reach 100 Wins, Claim 1st AL East Title Since 2014 & Home Field in AL Playoffs
The top seed in the American League belongs to the Orioles! If you had told me that on Opening Day, I would’ve thought you were crazy. Baltimore earned their 100th win on Thursday with a 2-0 shutout of the Red Sox, and it was also the division-clinching win in front of the home fans at Camden Yards. The Orioles have successfully made one of the biggest (and quickest) turnarounds in just two years. In 2021, the O’s lost 100 games. In 2023, they’ve won 100 games. Only one other team in MLB history has won 100 within three years of losing 100 (Mets, 1967-69).
The O’s Young Trio: Baltimore’s youth movement of Gunnar Henderson (22), Adley Rutschman (25), and Ryan Mountcastle (26) have been stars in the making. Paired alongside a handful of veterans like Anthony Santander, Austin Hays, Adam Frazier, and Cedric Mullins, and the O’s might be the deepest team in baseball. They don’t appear to have a Cy Young-level ace on the mound, but eight solid starters with a collective W-L count of 72-34 should do the trick.
To Top It Off: Maryland Governor Wes Moore and the Maryland Stadium Authority renewed their lease with the team and made an announced that the O’s would continue to play at Camden Yards for the next 30 years.
Baltimore hasn’t reached or won the World Series since 1983.
Watch: Orioles Blank Red Sox (2-0) & Clinch Division on Win #100
MLB Final Weekend: Magic Numbers
The final weekend of the MLB regular season is upon us, and there’s still room for movement before October’s playoff bracket is locked. Only seven of the 12 playoff spots are secured with three days left. Sunday marks the final day of the regular season, and it’s going to get wild this weekend. The AL West is still up for grabs. Here’s a look at all eight teams vying for the final five openings in October. Remember: Magic numbers are the required number of wins and/or losses by specific opponents needed to clinch.
American League
In: Orioles (100-59), Rays (97-62), Twins (85-74)
Magic Numbers
Rangers (89-70): 1 — (2 to win AL West)
Blue Jays (88-71): 2
Astros (87-72): 3 — (4 to winAL West)
Mariners (86-73): 4 — (5 to win AL West)
National League
In: Braves (103-56), Dodgers (98-61), Brewers (90-69), Phillies (89-70)
Magic Numbers
Diamondbacks (84-75): 2
Marlins (82-76): 3
Cubs (82-77): 5
Reds (81-78): 8
Photo: Rob Carr / Getty Images