The Baltimore Orioles open up the biggest series in the history of western civilization this evening at Camden Yards. Maybe there’s some exaggeration there. But…is there?
In truth, the standings say that last weekend’s series in Tampa was bigger. But part of the Orioles’ struggles over a long period of time had to do with this weekend’s opponent, the New York Yankees. This even as recently as ten years ago when the Birds had great teams.
Whether it was New York fans “taking over” Camden Yards and treating it as their own, or whether it was them snatching victory from the jaws of defeat against the Orioles at the 11th hour. Go back as far as you want; the ALCS where a young fan reached over the wall and took an out away from outfielder Tony Tarasco, or the claims that J.J. Hardy hit the foul pole in 2012. The Orioles’ issues begin and end with New York.
So by that virtue, this series has the feel of the biggest one in a long time at Camden Yards. The league itself feels good enough about it that they slid the series finale into the Sunday Night time slot. Yes, O’s and Yanks from Camden Yards on national television. You read that right.
You want to be able to point back to this series as a moment in time where the Birds continued their already great season, and took it up a notch. However New York, despite being in last place, isn’t making it easy on the Orioles. They still feel they’re in the thick of the race, despite the aforementioned standings. And the fact is that they’re correct. Especially given that they get slugger Aaron Judge back tonight from injury.
The series begins tonight at Camden Yards. Grayson Rodriguez gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by New York’s Gerrit Cole. Game time is set for just after 7 PM.
Birdland Crush 