For Baltimore Orioles fans, the ninth inning of the 2016 All-Star Game looked pretty familiar. Zach Britton was on the mound pitching to catcher Matt Wieters with the game on the line. The result was pretty familiar too, as Britton locked down the save just like he had in all 27 chances he had for the Orioles in the first half of the season. But this result could be even more crucial to the Orioles and other American League (AL) contenders. It means that whoever represents the AL in the World Series will have home-field advantage. Britton allowed a leadoff single, but then got the next two National League batters to ground out, including a game-ending double play. Other Orioles also played a part in the 4-2 win for the AL, including third baseman Manny Machado and outfielder Mark Trumbo. Trumbo, the league leader in home runs at the break, also took part in the Home Run Derby. Over the past five seasons, no AL team has sent more players to the All-Star Game than the Orioles.
Read more about Zach Britton’s performance in the All-Star Game.
