Adley Rutschman’s two-run homer in the second half of the ninth inning gave the Baltimore Orioles a 3-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday afternoon, allowing the Orioles — once again — to avoid suffering the affront of a sweep.
The Orioles split the two-game series against the Blue Jays — Tuesday’s series was postponed due to rain — and have now played 105 straight series of at least two games in the regular season without losing. sweep.
The Orioles suffered a sweep against the Texas Rangers during the 2023 playoffs. However, such a situation has never occurred during the regular season since the Tigers took the Orioles between the 13th and May 15, 2022, in Detroit.
The Orioles’ streak nearly ended exactly two years later. However, after Isiah Kiner-Falefa, inserted as a defensive measure at second base, made an error on a grounder by Jordan Westburg to start the ninth inning, Rutschman hit his game-winning homer against Jordan Romano.
“I think it says a lot about our team,” Rutschman said. “It’s always guys who help each other, who continue to improve and who support each other. It’s nice to be part of such a group. »
Rutschman’s slap was subject to video review — the ball appeared to have deflected off a spectator who was leaning over the imposing wall in right field — but the decision to allow a homer been maintained.
Romano (1-1) wasted a save opportunity for the first time this season, in seven attempts.
“Adley is having a hot streak right now, and he made a nice swing against an awkward stopper,” said Orioles manager Brandon Hyde.
Danny Coulombe (1-0) was credited with the victory after pitching in the ninth inning.
The first batter of the game for the Orioles, Westburg gave his team the lead with a home run.
Bo Bichette scored the Blue Jays’ two runs with a double to right field, after two outs in the third inning. Bichette completed the series with five hits in seven plate appearances and two walks.
Subsequently, the Blue Jays relievers resisted threats from the Orioles in the seventh and eighth innings.
Blue Jays starter Yusei Kikuchi had nine strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings. Zach Pop, Génesis Cabrera, Yimi García and Tim Mayza protected the Blue Jays’ lead until the ninth inning.
The Orioles’ streak without being swept is the third longest in major league history, according to Elias Sports Bureau.
The St. Louis Cardinals (124 series between 1942 and 1944), the Chicago Cubs (115 between 1906 and 1909) and the New York Giants (105 between 1903 and 1905) all had streaks at least as long.
Additionally, the Orioles have now split or won 17 straight series against American League East rivals.
They also remain one of three teams in major baseball not to have lost three games in a row, along with the Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago Cubs.
However, the Cubs came into their Wednesday night game against the Atlanta Braves having lost their last two outings.