On a bright, breezy afternoon in the Northern California ballpark that has given the franchise more trouble than any other in recent years, the Orioles officially exorcised the ghosts of losing seasons past while using their current tried and true formula of, "help us win, no matter who you are."
Good thing, too, because the Orioles may be back at the Oakland Coliseum in less than three weeks, playing in their first postseason in 15 years.
With a 9-5 victory Sunday, the Orioles (82-64) clinched their first winning season since 1997, remained one game behind the New York Yankees in the American League East hunt and tightened their grasp on the second AL Wild Card berth.
They also avoided a three-game sweep by the A's (84-62), who currently have the top AL Wild Card spot and would host the Orioles for a one-game playoff on October 5 if the current standings hold through season's end.
"We're trying to win our division and we are trying to get to the playoffs in that order," said Orioles manager Buck Showalter. "We will think about (returning to Oakland) if we get that opportunity. But games like this give you that opportunity."
Orioles hold on to beat A's, 9-5, for their 82nd win
Baltimore Sun 9/16/2012
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Over
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