The Orioles' 2016 postseason died on the branch in Toronto Oct. 4.
The Birds suffered a heartbreaking 5-2, 11-inning loss to the Blue Jays during the Wild Card game, as Edwin Encarnacion put a stake in the Orioles' season with a three-run walkoff home run.
Although there was plenty of blame to go around for the Orioles' season-ending loss -- including an offense that managed just four hits in 11 innings and none after the sixth inning -- the game will most be remembered for a baffling managerial decision. Manager Buck Showalter used six relievers in the game without ever bringing in closer Zach Britton, who had a dominant regular season in 2016. In the end, Ubaldo Jimenez coughed up three hits in the 11th, including the Encarnacion blast, to end the Orioles' playoff run barely after it began.
