An august performance
With their next win the Orioles will have matched or exceeded their August win total from six of the last ten seasons. The O's are currently 10-5 in August.
Want to aim even higher? The Birds haven't had a non-losing August since 1998, when they finished 14-14. The team hasn't had a winning record in the eighth month of the calendar year since 1997, when they finished 18-10.
In truth, the O's record down the stretch has little bearing on what the 2011 season and beyond will bring. After all, the 1999 Orioles were 20-8 in the month of September. But darn if it isn't fun. And it's a considerable change from seasons past.
Granted, as I've explained before, the "August Swoon" is a myth. [In short, the Orioles have often had a worse record in July than in August. However, the August losses have been more dramatic (think 30-3) and therefore memorable.] With that said, it's nice to be watching quality baseball this late in the season for a change.
Showalter looking to match best 15-game start in team history
What a difference a game can make.
If the Orioles win tonight Buck Showalter will match Davey Johnson and Earl Weaver for the best record after 15 games in team history.
If the Orioles lose Showalter will match the starts of Mike Hargrove, Lum Harris, Lee Mazzilli, and Ray Miller.
Managerial records after 15 games
Davey Johnson 11-4
Earl Weaver 11-4
Buck Showalter 10-4
Mike Hargrove 10-5
Lum Harris 10-5
Lee Mazilli 10-5
Ray Miller 10-5
Joe Altobelli 9-6
Sam Perlozzo 9-6
Hank Bauer 8-7
Billy Hitchcock 8-7
Dave Trembley 8-7
Cal Ripken 8-7
Phil Regan 6-9
Johnny Oates 7-8
Jimmy Dykes 5-10
Paul Richards 4-11
Juan Samuel 4-11
Frank Robinson 0-15
World beaters
The Birds are 6-6 against the Red Sox this season with six games remaining between the two teams. Should the Orioles win four or more of those games they will win the season series against Boston for the first time since 2004. Of course, Boston went on to win the World Series that year.
Go figure.
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Baltimore Orioles
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