Joy R. Absalon – USA TODAY SPORTS
The Oakland Athletics trail the Texas Rangers by 2.5 games, and the Baltimore Orioles remain in third place behind the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays, but both the A’s and O’s have decent chances at making postseason appearances this year. However, the Orioles’ unparalleled ability to hit home runs and hit them often again secured the victory.
The two teams met earlier this evening in Baltimore, each looking for yet another win as they continue their march toward October. The Orioles emerged the victors, winning 9-7.
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Baltimore erupted for two big home runs in the bottom of the fourth. A two-run blast from Adam Jones and a grand slam from Brian Roberts, both off rookie A’s starter Dan Straily, contributed big time to the team’s victory. The Orioles lead all of baseball in home runs with 169 so far this year.
Unfortunately, another area in which the Orioles lead all of baseball is home runs allowed. Orioles starter Bud Norris got tagged early for solo shots from Coco Crisp and Brandon Moss in the third. Their pitching staff will need to bring this under control if they want to make the playoffs.
Though both teams have records well above .500 and are very much in the pennant race, they have cooled off lately, the A’s going 5-5 and the O’s 4-6 in their last 10 games. Both teams will need to play better if they want to make the postseason.
Matt Lanka is a Mariners writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @mattlanka, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
