More misery for Mariners in 7-6 setback to Baltimore
BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Orioles have reached an important landmark in their quest to reach the post-season for the third time in four years.
Their task now is to keep the momentum going for five more weeks.
Adam Jones hit a record-breaking homer, Welington Castillo had three hits and two RBIs and Baltimore beat the Seattle Mariners 7-6 on Monday night for its fifth straight win.
Chris Davis doubled in the tiebreaking run in the seventh inning for the resurgent Orioles, who climbed over .500 (66-65) for the first time since June 11.
“It’s pretty obvious that if you’re .500 or below, you’re not going to the playoffs,” said manager Buck Showalter. “Mathematically, we know that’s a given. Got another game tomorrow that could take you back in the other direction.
“That’s the world we live in.”
Following a three-game sweep in Boston with a 16-hit attack against the Mariners, Baltimore jumped past Seattle (66-66) to within 1 1/2 games of idle Minnesota for the final AL wild-card spot.
“You’ve just got to keep your head down and try to win the next game,” Showalter said, “and figure out a way to score enough runs to do it.” Seven was just enough on this night. Jones’ solo home run in the fifth inning gave him 25 for an Orioles-record seventh consecutive season. He shared the mark of six with Cal Ripken Jr.
Ben Gamel homered and had a career-high five RBIs in Seattle’s third straight defeat.
“Some positive signs from our offence, no doubt,” manager Scott Servais said. “We played a crisper game tonight, but obviously not enough.”