Baltimore Orioles vs Toronto Blue Jays ended 4-2 again Wednesday night at Camden Yards. Baltimore swept the doubleheader and kept its fading playoff hopes alive, as reported by Baltimore Chronicle.
The result was confirmed by the official MLB game report and the AP game recap published by ESPN. Baltimore also won the opening game 4-2.
Trey Gibson delivers his strongest start
Trey Gibson controlled Toronto for 6 2/3 scoreless innings. The 24-year-old allowed only 3 hits, struck out 7 and walked 2.
It was only Gibson’s eighth Major League start. Two of Toronto’s first 3 hits were infield singles.
His night ended after an unusual defensive positioning violation in the seventh inning. Sean Keys initially appeared to ground out for the third out.
A replay showed Jeremiah Jackson’s heel touching the outfield grass before the pitch. Keys was therefore awarded first base.
Yennier Cano later escaped the bases-loaded situation by striking out Myles Straw.
Encarnacion-Strand gives Baltimore an early lead
Christian Encarnacion-Strand supplied most of Baltimore’s offense. He finished with 3 RBI and scored twice.
The Orioles produced all 4 runs early:
| Inning | Scoring play | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Encarnacion-Strand two-run single | 2-0 |
| 1st | Colton Cowser RBI double | 3-0 |
| 4th | Encarnacion-Strand solo home run | 4-0 |
| 9th | Davis Schneider two-run homer | 4-2 |
Baltimore managed only 4 hits, but converted them efficiently. Toronto starter CJ Van Eyk allowed 4 runs across 5 innings.
Orioles playoff race remains alive
Baltimore entered the night facing elimination from the American League playoff race. Another Orioles loss could end those hopes.
Toronto’s position was already settled. The Blue Jays were eliminated from postseason contention after losing the first game.
The sweep therefore carried very different consequences for the two AL East clubs. Baltimore survived another night, while Toronto’s postseason chase ended.
Both teams are off Thursday. Baltimore visits the New York Yankees on Friday, while Toronto hosts Cincinnati.
Earlier we wrote about Ravens vs Saints: Baltimore blows second-half lead as controversial late touchdown decides 24-17 loss