In a decisive game on Friday night, the Baltimore Orioles emerged victorious against the Minnesota Twins with a score of 7-2, eliminating the Twins from postseason contention. The Orioles secured the top AL wild-card spot and will move on to the next round of playoffs, where they will face either Detroit or Kansas City. Pitcher Cade Povich was instrumental in the Orioles’ win, pitching shutout ball into the sixth inning and holding the Twins to just two hits. Ryan O’Hearn and Colton Cowser contributed to the victory with home runs.
The Twins, who were once in a strong position earlier in the season with a five-game cushion in the wild-card race, faltered down the stretch and finished 12-25 since their high point on August 17th. Povich, a rookie left-hander, faced his former team for the first time and delivered an impressive performance, showcasing the talent that led the Orioles to trade for him.
The Orioles took an early lead with O’Hearn’s two-run homer in the second inning and later extended their lead with Cowser’s homer in the seventh. Their offense continued to put pressure on the Twins, scoring four more runs in the eighth inning to solidify their victory. The Twins managed to avoid a shutout in the ninth inning with Carlos Santana’s two-run single.
Looking ahead, RHP Zebby Matthews was scheduled to start for the Twins on Saturday, while the Orioles had not yet announced their starter. The win marks a significant moment for the Orioles as they prepare to compete in the upcoming playoff rounds.
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