The Baltimore Orioles swept the Atlanta Braves at Oriole Park at Camden Yards and now have a five game winning streak as they try and stay in playoff contention in the hotly contested American League East division race.
After winning the first two games of the series and spoiling the return of long time fan favorite Nick Markakis, who now plays right field for the Braves, the Oriole’s Chris Tillman pitched a series-sweeping, beautiful 2-0 gem.
He nearly pitched the first complete game of the season for the Birds, while winning his sixth straight game. He allowed four hits and struck out two in 8 2/3 innings of work. He improved to 8-7 while lowering his ERA to 4.35.
The bottom of the order supplied the offense as both Jonathan Schoop and J. J. Hardy each blasted solo homers. Closer Zach Britton came on in the ninth to get his 26th save of the year.
The first game of the series included an 11th inning walk-off homer by catcher Matt Wieters giving his team a stunning 2-1 victory.
Again, it was the pitching that made the difference as spot starter Kevin Gausman pitched a shutout. He allowed six hits, had five strikeouts and walked one in a career- high 7 2/3 innings of work.
Oriole’s closer Britton came on in the ninth and uncharacteristically surrendered a solo homer to give the Braves a 1-0 lead.
But the Orioles would not be denied and tied the score in the bottom of the ninth off former Orioles closer Jim Johnson. After Adam Jones and Wieters singled shortstop J.J. Hardy hit a sacrifice fly to tie the game at 1-1. That just set up Wieters heroics, the third walk-off homer for the Birds this season.
The middle game of the series belonged to slugger Chris Davis who had five RBIs while socking two homers in a 7-3 Baltimore victory.
Meanwhile, Orioles starter Ubaldo Jimenez retired 18 of the final 20 batters he faced while giving up four hits, three walks, and striking out three. He allowed two early runs in 7 innings of work. He now has a record of (8-6) with a 3.73 ERA.
The Orioles, along with the Toronto Blue Jays and the Tampa Bay Rays all continue to chase the New York Yankees who lead the division with a (57-43) record.
