Orioles Clinch First Playoff Berth Since 1997 - East Idaho News
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Orioles Clinch First Playoff Berth Since 1997

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Getty S 10112 Orioles?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1349073295917Greg Fiume/Getty Images(BALTIMORE) — For the first time in over a decade, the Baltimore Orioles will be playing October baseball.

After the Texas Rangers beat the Los Angeles Angels in the late game of a doubleheader Sunday, it was official, and the O’s will head to baseball’s postseason for the first time since 1997. 

After the Orioles (92-67) beat the Boston Red Sox 6-3 earlier in day, they had hoped to celebrate at Camden Yards. Players gathered with the fans to watch the first game of the Rangers-Angels doubleheader in hopes of a celebration, only to see the Angels come back and take the lead in the ninth inning. 

A couple hours later, the Rangers won Game two, 8-7 and the Orioles were officially assured of at least a wild-card berth. They remain in a close race for the A.L. East lead however, as they are tied with the New York Yankees as of Sunday with three games to play.

The Rangers clinched a postseason berth for themselves with the win, as well as the Yankees. 

Manager Buck Showalter has taken a team with 14 straight losing seasons and shaped it into a squad that will go into the playoffs looking to knock off the more established Yankees and Rangers. “I think everybody knows where the finish line is, and we’re not there,” Showalter said. 

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

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