The Baltimore Orioles swept a three game series with the Toronto Blue Jays and along the way clinched the American League East Division title at Oriole Park at Camden Yards for the first time since 1997.
Monday’s 5-2 win meant the Orioles could clinch on Tuesday night and they did with a score of 8-2. Steve Pearce, a surprise star for the Birds all season, set the tone by belting a three-run homer in the first inning. Winning pitcher Ulbaldo Jimenez (5-9) lasted five innings giving up two hits, four walks while striking out six. Jimenez, an off season pickup who has had a disappointing season rose to the challenge and pitched his team into the post season.
Alejandro De Aza added a bases loaded triple in the seventh inning and the fans, many who brought signs to the game in support of their team knew their dream was soon to be a reality. Reliever Tommy Hunter came in to close out the game and as the last out was recorded on a grounder to first baseman Pearce the Orioles players stormed the field and jumped for joy.
The celebration lasted well into the night and the players came out of the clubhouse and back onto the field after they enjoyed their champagne-spraying celebration in the locker room. Center fielder Adam Jones grabbed the AL East Champs flag and ran around the field slapping hands and hugging the faithful fans in the stands who had stayed to take in the moment.
On Wednesday the Orioles were introduced as AL East champs and got back to work in their quest to have not only the AL East title but the best record in baseball. Again the offensive hero was Pearce, who belted a solo homer in the third and a three-run home run in the fifth inning, leading his team to a 6-1 win. It was the second two homer game of his career. Pearce, who was an early season addition to the team, now has 20 home runs for the season. Outfielder David Lough added a solo home run in the eighth inning.
On the hill, winning pitcher Bud Norris (14-8) lasted 5.1 innings. He walked five, struck out four and only gave up two hits. He now has a 3.62 ERA.
