Orioles, Nats clinch MLB division titles

BALTIMORE, USA – After 17 years, the Baltimore Orioles are back on top of Major League Baseball’s American League East division.

Steve Pearce and Jimmy Paredes both homered to help the Orioles beat the Toronto Blue Jays 8-2 on Tuesday and clinch the AL East division crown for the first time since 1997.

Baltimore’s Ubaldo Jimenez overcame a shaky start and pitched five innings, allowing two runs on two hits with four walks and six strikeouts.

Alejandro De Aza supplied a clutch three-run triple that broke the game open in the seventh inning for the Orioles.

“It’s a great feeling,” De Aza said. “I can’t describe it right now.”

While the Orioles clinched their division in front of home fans at Camden Yards, the Washington Nationals secured the National League East division title in hostile territory – at defending champions Atlanta.

Ian Desmond hit a two-run homer, Tanner Roark pitched seven scoreless innings and the Nationals beat the reeling Braves 3-0 at Turner Field.

Roark was outstanding in helping the Nats win their second division title in three years.

The second-year starter gave up five hits – all singles – without a walk.

“We’ve got the pitching, the depth, the bullpen to do what we need to do,” Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper said. “We need to keep it going …through October.”

The Orioles and the Nationals followed the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim into the playoffs.

The Angels became the first team to punch their post-season ticket on Monday night, but while their playoff spot is secured they are still chasing the American League West division title. – Rappler.com