The Baltimore Orioles fought for top team position in their division until their very last series. While they finished second in the American League East, they still earned a spot in the playoffs as a Wild Card team.
In the Wild Card Series, the Orioles officially ended their season by being swept by the Kansas City Royals.
During the first game this past Tuesday, they lost 1-0, and in their second game on Wednesday, they lost with a final score of 2-1. They had needed a win in Wednesday’s game in order to continue in the post-season.
In the final game, center fielder, Cedric Mullins hit a homerun, the only run that the Orioles were able to score throughout the series.
Overall, the team had an outstanding season with a winning record of 91-71, finishing three games behind the New York Yankees. In 2023, the Orioles finished the season with 101 wins.
Last season, the Orioles won their division claiming the title of “2023 American League East Champions” and advancing to the playoffs. In their first 2023 playoff series, they played the Texas Rangers and lost all three games, ending their playoff run.
Five players represented Baltimore in the 2024 All-Star game: pitcher Corbin Burnes, catcher Adley Rutschman, shortstop Gunnar Henderson, outfielder Anthony Santander, and third baseman Jordan Westburg.
The Orioles began the season itself with a game against the Los Angeles Angels. The season started off strongly as the Orioles were winning series after series. As the season carried on, though, things changed.
Since the All-Star Break, the Orioles went 33-33 after beginning the first half of their season with a 58-38 record.
The Orioles were plagued with injuries as well. During their first series with the Toronto Blue Jays, third baseman Jordan Westburg was hit in the hand with a 95 mile an hour fastball, breaking his hand
In the following games, catcher James McCann was hit in the nose with a fastball and collapsed to the ground with blood streaming out of his nose.
Outfielder Heston Kjerstad was struck on the back of his helmet and was taken out of the game with a concussion. Second baseman Jorge Mateo collided with shortstop Gunnar Henderson and tore his UCL causing him to be out for the rest of the season.
The team is already looking to make changes for the 2025 season, but it is believed that manager Brandon Hyde will return next year.