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Baltimore Orioles Triumphs Over the Yankees, Securing Second Consecutive Playoff Spot

The Baltimore Orioles celebrated a significant victory on the night of September 24, 2024, securing their second consecutive playoff spot after defeating the New York Yankees with a 5-3 score. This achievement comes despite Aaron Judge’s impressive 56th home run, which tops the major league.

A Crucial Win for the Orioles

The Orioles’ victory, paired with the Minnesota Twins’ loss to the Miami Marlins, ensured Baltimore’s spot in the American League wild card. Key contributors to the Orioles’ success included Anthony Santander with his 44th home run, alongside Ramon Urias and Colton Cowser, who also hit home runs. This win brought Baltimore (87-80) within five games of the Yankees (92-65), who are leading the AL East, with only five games remaining.

Orioles’ Tiebreaker Victory

The Orioles’ victory not only secured the season series but also the tiebreaker against the Yankees. To finish at the top of the division, Baltimore would need to achieve a 5-0 finish while the Yankees would have to go 0-5. Despite securing a playoff berth last week, the Yankees can win the AL East with just one more victory.

Orioles’ Road to Victory

Santander’s home run in the sixth round against Clarke Schmidt (5-5) was a significant contribution, hitting a drive off the right-field foul pole. The switch-hitter, eligible for free agency following the World Series, has set personal bests for home runs and RBIs (100). Urias expanded the lead to 4-1 with another home run against Tim Mayza at the start of the seventh.

A Close Call

New York’s deficit was cut to 4-3 due to Gleyber Torres’ two-out RBI double and Juan Soto’s run-scoring single against Yennier Cano in the bottom half. However, when Soto advanced to second on Santander’s throw home from right, Torres was caught in a rundown between third base and home plate, preventing Judge from batting with two on.

Sealing the Game

Cowser’s home run off Ian Hamilton in the eighth solidified the Orioles’ lead. Dean Kremer (8-10) allowed only one run and three hits in five innings. Baltimore’s seventh pitcher, Seranthony Dominguez, managed two outs, securing his 11th save in 13 opportunities. On the Yankees’ side, Schmidt conceded three runs and four hits in over five innings.

Early Advantage for the Orioles

The Orioles managed an early lead with Heston Kjerstad’s RBI grounder in the second and Ryan O’Hearn’s run-scoring single in the fourth following Schmidt’s wild pitch, building a 2-0 lead. Judge, however, responded with a high drive to left field in the bottom half of the fourth, marking his 56th home run of the season.

With this game, the Baltimore Orioles demonstrated their resilience and determination, overcoming a series of challenges to secure a second consecutive playoff berth. The Associated Press contributed to this report.