Orioles Clinch AL East for First Time Since 1997
Published at(BALTIMORE) — For the first time since 1997, the Baltimore Orioles are the American League East champions.
“It’s everything I hoped for, man. It’s an awesome experience,” Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis, who has played with Baltimore since 2006, said. “We worked hard all season long to get where we are now. We got one step out of the way. Now we have a couple more steps to go.”
First baseman Steve Pearce hit a three-run homer to help the Orioles top the Toronto Blue Jays 8-2, giving the O’s their ninth win in 10 games.
“We’re AL East champs,” Pearce said while celebrating in the clubhouse. “Awesome.”
It’s the ninth time the Orioles have won the division, but only the second time since 1983, when they won the World Series.
Ubaldo Jimenez (5-9) earned the win, pitching five innings and allowing two hits, two runs, and four walks while striking out six.
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