OK, Camden Chatters, show of hands. When the Orioles’ 2022 schedule was released, how many of you circled the Orioles’ Aug. 12-14 series in Tampa Bay and said, “This is going to be a hugely important series?”
Nobody. Not one person did that. And why would they? Even the most helpless optimist, orange-colored glasses and all, never would’ve predicted the scenario that presents itself this weekend. The Orioles (58-53) enter their three-game series just half a game behind the Rays (58-52) for the third and final AL Wild Card spot. Here it is, August, and the O’s — written off before the season as a hapless non-contender — are playing pivotal games with major postseason implications.