Second bold prediction: Baltimore Orioles win AL East
The Tampa Bay Rays have led the American League East for nearly the entire first half of the season. They build a huge lead and separated themselves from the other four teams. One team that has hung around is the Baltimore Orioles and they are ready to make the move and win the division with another good second half of the season.
The Rays dropped seven of their last eight before the break and the Orioles took full advantage winning their last five and picking up four games in the standings. They took two of the final four games against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium, before sweeping the Minnesota Twins. They are currently two games behind Tampa Bay with four games in hand.
Just how dominant were the Orioles in the final five games before the break? They outscored the Yankees and Twins by a combined 44-9 margin, including a 24-5 advantage over Minnesota.
Baltimore’s offense is beginning to take off with Gunnar Henderson setting the pace at the top of the order and catcher Adley Rutschman has 12 home runs and 39 RBI from the second spot. Aaron Hicks, who was signed after being designated for assignment by the Yankees, has been a nice addition to the lineup and their pitching has been consistent.
FIRE US ALL THE WAY UP, AARON HICKS! pic.twitter.com/82aL2tL16T
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) July 9, 2023
There are just too many questions surrounding the Rays to think they can keep the Orioles at bay and hold on to their division lead. BAltimore’s time is coming quicker than originally thought.