Toronto Blue Jays clinch first American League East title in 22 years
The Blue Jays have clinched their first American League East divisional title on Wednesday night as they beat the Orioles in the first game of a doubleheader, 15–2.
This is the team’s first divisional title since 1993 and the sixth in franchise history. The Blue Jays previously won in 1985, ’89, ’91, ’92 and ’93.
Rain in the Baltimore area forced Tuesday night’s game to be postponed and made up as the first game of a doubleheader Wednesday. Marcus Stroman threw eight strong innings, allowing five hits while striking out eight. Eight of the nine starters for the Jays had at least one RBI, with Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion and Justin Smoak each driving in two runs apiece.
Since the Blue Jays last won the American League East, the New York Yankees have won 12 divisional titles. The Boston Red Sox have the second most with three victories.
Toronto has a 92–65 record and will be headed to its postseason since winning the second of its back-to-back World Series titles in 1993. The Blue Jays are competing with the Royals for the right to home-field advantage throughout the playoffs in the American League.
American League Most Valuable Player candidate Josh Donaldson leads the team with 41 home runs and 122 RBIs.
The Baltimore Orioles, last year's divisional champions, sit towards the bottom of the American League East standings and have been eliminated from playoff contention.
The American League East divisional champion has won seven world series since the Blue Jays went back-to-back. Only the 2013 Boston Red Sox have won a World Series title in the last five years.
The Blue Jays will likely be joined by the New York Yankees as the American League East representation in the playoffs. New York can clinch a wild card berth as early as Wednesday night.
- Christopher Chavez
