On a somber day throughout the league, it’s easy to forget that 28 teams were still in action.
While baseball may seem of secondary importance during a time like this, we’re still going to do our best to cover the games.
Despite being third in their division, the Baltimore Orioles are currently positioned to win the second Wild Card slot in the American League. Their chances of securing a ticket to the playoffs were increased today after besting the Arizona Diamondbacks in a low-scoring affair.
The game featured a duel between two former top prospects, both of whom have experienced some struggles at the Major League level.
Dylan Bundy received the start for Baltimore, Braden Shipley for Arizona.
While neither has performed up to their lofty expectations so far, both flashed their impressive potential today.
Bundy, a 2011 first rounder, went five strong innings, allowing just one earned run on three hits and one walk. He struck out five.
Shipley, a 2013 first rounder, lasted six innings, allowing two earned runs on four hits and three walks. He struck out six.
Neither bullpen allowed a run, earned or otherwise.
In the bottom of the second, Baltimore jumped ahead 2-0 on a two-run homer off the bat of left fielder Hyun Soo Kim. It was his fifth of the season.
Arizona responded in the top of the fourth. Star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt plated Jean Segura on a RBI single to right. Unfortunately for the Snakes, that was all the offense they were able to muster.
Potential AL Cy Young candidate Zach Britton recorded the save for the O’s. He remains a perfect 46-for-46 in save opportunities on the season.
With the win (and a Detroit Tigers loss), Baltimore moves one and a half games up in the race for the second Wild Card.
The next few days will be crucial in determining which teams will emerge with those two coveted playoff spots.
Baltimore will face the Toronto Blue Jays, a division rival and the current leader in Wild Card standings.
Meanwhile, another pair of Wild Card hopefuls, the Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros, will square off.
Detroit will face the AL Central-leading Cleveland Indians.
While there is plenty of baseball left to be played and none of the Wild Cards are set in stone, Baltimore helped their cause tremendously with a win today.
Scott Ferris covers all things baseball as a Staff Writer for Outside Pitch MLB. You can follow him on Twitter @ScottHFerris
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