Baltimore Looking to Make Statement and Reclaim Top Spot in AL East

Orioles Have a Team that Can Contend

The Baltimore Orioles are reaching for the stars this season. Their historical run could see them beat out the New York Yankees in the AL East. The Orioles are looking to repeat the success of last week in which they took the series 2-1 in a show of offensive power. Not only did they crush the Yankees but Baltimore is also coming off a three game win streak. They outscored their opponents 24-3 shutting out the Blue Jays in two of those victories. Online sports books will be busy collecting on this match-up in what is turning out to be a highly anticipated matchup of David and Goliath like proportions. Baltimore is trailing the always talented Yankees. The Orioles are banking on the recent struggles of New York who have lost 10 of their last 15.The Yankees were on the verge of a late season implosion. They called a team meeting which seemed to work. They snapped a three game losing streak to Tampa Bay by winning 6-4. The Yankees are looking to get back on track after their victory over the Rays and further their divisional lead by suppressing an Orioles offense that doesn’t look like it’s slowing down.

Baltimore Still Has Ground to Make Up

In what is turning out to be a late season swing series the Orioles have to make ground on their divisional rivals. Baltimore has to rely on their hitters to continue their offensive success. Orioles slugger Mark Reynolds has been the one Baltimore has relied on. The success of Reynolds has translated into a .409 batting average. He also has four home runs and eight RBIs in six games against the Yankees. The Orioles need Reynolds and other hitters like Adam Jones and Nick Markakis to step up if Baltimore is to continue its march for top spot in the AL East. If New York cannot contain Baltimore’s bats it will be no surprise that online betting sites everywhere will give the Orioles the benefit of the doubt. This may turn out to be the case as the Yankees have opted to send out rookie David Phelps. Phelps is 3-4with a 3.31ERA, and has had no real experience. He was only on the mound for 2-3 innings in their win against Tampa on Saturday. The Orioles will be giving the nod to Jason Hammel. He is 8-6 with a 3.54ERA. Hammel is making his return after missing two months with a knee injury. Hammel will be reinserted at a crucial point in the season. He has thrown relatively well when playing the Yankees with a 4.91ERA over his only two games against New York.

This Race is Coming Down to the End

On paper the Yankees may have Baltimore beaten in a lot of areas. The recent success of this Orioles club has been quite impressive. Betting sites are gearing up for a pivotal 4 game stint. The series could be the deciding series for top spot in the AL East. Placing a bet on these games could turn out to be a risk-reward type scenario. Both teams are looking to make a statement before the post-season arrives.