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Don’t underestimate Rays’ impact on AL East race
- Updated: September 8, 2016
ST. PETERSBURG — Just when it appeared the Orioles were poised to complete a sweep of last-place Tampa Bay, the Rays’ bats came alive, their bullpen was perfect, and they jogged off the Tropicana Field turf with a 7-6 victory.
For the Orioles and other contenders who are in the thick of the tightly-knotted American League East, facing teams such as the Rays this month is like walking in a mine field.
After blowing the Rays away on Monday and Tuesday, the Orioles were victims in Wednesday’s matinee to a team merely playing out the schedule.
Winning games you’re supposed to win in September often becomes more difficult than battles with a division contender.
Look at the Blue Jays. They fell out of a first-place tie with the Red Sox on Wednesday, losing to the suddenly rejuvenated Yankees while Boston was breezing past last-place San Diego, 7-2.
• MLB standings
Baltimore missed a chance to move up a notch, but the O’s remain in third place, two games back of the Red Sox before playing in Detroit after Thursday’s catch-your-breath day off. After the weekend set at Comerica Park, the Orioles go to Boston for three games at Fenway.
But …
The Orioles have four games left with the Rays and three against the D-backs, who’ve lost 81 times and are only a game ahead of the Padres for the National League West basement.
It’s been said that it’s demeaning to label teams with losing records as “spoilers” but that’s exactly what they can be. But because they can make a difference, they believe they have something to play for. It’s not just pride.
“Of course, we’d rather be in it, but we’re playing some games that mean something for other people,” said Rays All-Star third baseman Evan Longoria. “Even when you’re out of it, playing in that environment, you’re more locked in than you normally would be. It also tests some of our guys who haven’t been in those situations before, playing under pressure.”
There’s probably no team in the division with a better chance to control the outcome than the Yankees, who won their fourth straight Wednesday to complete a three-game sweep of the Blue …
