By most calculations, the Orioles had played their way out of playoff contention long before the current homestand opened a stretch that called for 19 of 22 home games. But just in case there was any lingering doubt, the weekend series against the Angels Aug. 18-20 pretty much settled the issue.
This homestand was supposed to be the chance for a re-start, heading back into divisional play with a string of series against teams ahead of them in the Wild Card playoff "race," which is becoming more like a survival test than a postseason run. It started with a fun weekend celebration of the 25th anniversary of Oriole Park at Camden Yards Aug. 18, set off by a wild, walk-off grand-slam home run by Manny Machado.
That blast gave the Orioles a win in the first game of the series for the fourth straight time. That they weren't able to win any of those series tells you all you really need to know. The O's have struggled to finish games all year -- and now, at crunch time, they have been unable to finish series -- four straight now, three against teams ahead of them in the standings.
