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The Orioles are going to play a significant role in determining who makes it to the postseason in the American League. The Yankees, Red Sox, Mariners, and Blue Jays are all within two games of one another with just four games left in the regular season. All four of the O’s remaining games have significance.
Personally, I think it would be pretty neat to see the Mariners make it to the playoffs for the first time in a generation. They have had one of those magical seasons that don’t really make sense, but is going to make an indelible mark on a fanbase for years to come. There are shades of the 2012 O’s in these 2021 M’s. The least we can do is lend them a hand.
This game is also important for the Orioles. It will see Alexander Wells make another start and look to improve on what has been a rocky debut season. He was solid last time out (five innings, three runs) against a poor Rangers lineup. It’s a much taller task tonight.
But the O’s rotation roles for 2022 remain wide open, and Wells has as much a chance to earn one as anybody else. He will be looking to impress.
Plus, this is the last home game of the season for the Orioles. Although a single win wouldn’t do much on paper to change this season, it would leave fans with a nice taste in their mouth. If you can’t go to the playoffs yourself, the next best thing is putting another fanbase into misery as well, right?
Orioles’ Starting Lineup
- Cedric Mullins, CF
- Ryan Mountcastle, 1B
- Austin Hays, RF
- Trey Mancini, DH
- Pedro Severino, C
- Kelvin Gutierrez, 3B
- Tyler Nevin, LF
- Pat Valaika, SS
- Jahmai Jones, 2B
Alexander Wells, LHP (1-3, 7.61 ERA)
Red Sox Starting Lineup
- Enrique Hernández, CF
- Kyle Schwarber, 1B
- Xander Bogaerts, SS
- Rafael Devers, 3B
- J.D. Martinez, DH
- Hunter Renfroe, RF
- Alex Verdugo, LF
- Kevin Plawecki, C
- José Iglesias, 2B
Nick Pivetta, RHP (9-7, 4.52 ERA)