The Texas Rangers dominated the Baltimore Orioles in Game 3 of the American League Division Series, securing a decisive series sweep over the 101-win O’s.
The red-hot Rangers set the tone in Baltimore, winning the first two games at Camden Yards by the scores of 3-2 and 11-8.
The Orioles, on the brink of elimination, had their backs against the wall and were hoping to stave off elimination … But instead, they went silently into the Texas night as the Rangers blew their doors off 7-1.
We sat through an entire 6 year rebuild for moments like THIS ❤️ No matter what happens next, this year and team is so special and will always be remembered #GoAndTakeIt pic.twitter.com/xGVGHtuMRa
— AllThingRangers (3-0) (@AllThingRangers) October 11, 2023
The painful season-ending loss put an official bow on what had been a tremendous season not just for the Orioles, but the American League East as a whole.
Most Wins by Division this season —
449 — AL East
424 — NL East
404 — NL West
404 — NL Central
391 — AL West
358 — AL CentralAll 3 AL East teams got swept in the playoffs.#NextLevel | #Postseason pic.twitter.com/7yrWTuhOyN
— BlueJays Muse (@BlueJays_Muse) October 11, 2023
However, as we all know, it’s all about what you do in the postseason – NOT the regular season.
Sure enough, the jokes came in fast and furious on social media – poking fun at the Orioles for falling apart on the big stage.
The last AL east team to win a postseason game:
THE NEW YORK YANKEES BABY pic.twitter.com/vfLzjkXQl8
— Dom (@BronxBmbrz) October 11, 2023
The AL East produced three playoff teams this season – Baltimore, Tampa Bay and Toronto.
All three got swept.
That’s not to let the more-prestigious Yankees and Red Sox off the hook for their embarrassing seasons … It was once hard to imagine either missing the playoffs – this year, BOTH did.
The AL East has lost 11 straight playoff games dating back to last season pic.twitter.com/arjqsZ7cAk
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) October 11, 2023
Meanwhile, the AL West is more alive than ever.
With the Rangers already advancing and the Houston Astros looking to be well on their way, we should be in-store for an epic all-Texas ALCS.
(Unless the Twins have anything to say about that, of course.)
Regardless, the Rangers are playing the best baseball in the entire American League and will surely be a tough-out.
Peep this angle @Rangers @1053thefan @AllThingRangers pic.twitter.com/9DFgEo9T9H
— unbiased sheep (@unbiasedsheep) October 11, 2023
Who do you think will end up winning the World Series?
Getting back to the Orioles … Were they a fluke this season?
Or do you think they’re set up for continued success?