The Baltimore Orioles have made a statement early in the season by winning three out of four games against the New York Yankees, solidifying their position as the team to beat in the American League East. The Orioles outperformed the Yankees in pitching, hitting, and overall gameplay throughout the series. Their 7-2 victory in the finale was particularly significant as it marked the return of last year’s breakout starter, Kyle Bradish.
This series win is part of a larger trend for the Orioles, who have not lost a series against an AL East opponent in over a year. They have won 12 out of 16 series and split the remaining four since April 2023. In total, they have a record of 36-17 against divisional opponents during that period, including a strong start to the current season with a 6-1 record. These divisional matchups are crucial, as teams often look back at missed opportunities later in the season. Catcher James McCann acknowledges the importance of these games, stating that they are happy to leave this series with three wins.
The Yankees, who now trail the Orioles in the AL East standings, have undergone significant changes since last year. The additions of Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo have injected energy and production into their lineup. They entered the series as one of only two teams in the AL with 20 wins already. However, this week’s matchups served as a wake-up call for New York, as they suffered their second series loss of the season. Yankees manager Aaron Boone recognizes the Orioles as a formidable and complete team, indicating that the battles between these two teams will continue throughout the season.
The Orioles and Yankees are currently considered the top teams in the American League. Their recent series was managed with intensity and showcased the makings of a budding rivalry. Every good rivalry needs a villain, and Juan Soto has emerged as a candidate for that role. Soto was booed throughout the series, especially following his comments after hitting a home run off Orioles starter Dean Kremer. The tension escalated further when Soto took issue with a watch in center field obstructing his vision. Despite Soto’s performances, the Yankees struggled to produce runs, scoring a total of six over the four-game set.
The Orioles’ success can be attributed to their power-hitting abilities, as they lead the majors with 48 home runs, seven more than the next-best team, the Yankees. In addition to their hitting prowess, the Orioles received a strong season debut from Kyle Bradish, who pitched 4 2/3 innings and allowed only one run. Bradish showcased his potential with high-velocity fastballs reminiscent of his breakout campaign in 2023.
While the Orioles have proven their dominance, it’s important to note that both teams will face challenges throughout the season. The Yankees are currently without key players Gerrit Cole and DJ LeMahieu, and Aaron Judge has struggled at the plate. On the other hand, the Orioles have dealt with injuries as well, with Grayson Rodriguez being placed on the injured list. However, they managed to win three games without utilizing closer Craig Kimbrel, who was dealing with a back issue. The Orioles’ bullpen also stepped up, with reliever Jacob Webb delivering impressive performances and securing his first save of the season.
Injuries are inevitable in baseball, and both teams will experience roster shifts as the season progresses. However, for now, the Orioles have established themselves as the team to beat in the American League East. Their early success against tough divisional opponents like the Yankees proves that they are a force to be reckoned with.