What To Know
- While the Athletics ultimately fell short of a playoff berth, the season was filled with memorable moments and dramatic contests that showcased the competitive spirit of both teams.
- The Athletics, known for their strategic use of analytics and a focus on developing young talent, were in the midst of a rebuild.
- The Athletics showed that they were a team on the rise, while the Orioles demonstrated that they were still a force to be reckoned with.
The 2017 season saw a fierce rivalry unfold between the Oakland Athletics and the Baltimore Orioles. While the Athletics ultimately fell short of a playoff berth, the season was filled with memorable moments and dramatic contests that showcased the competitive spirit of both teams. This blog post dives into the highlights and key storylines that defined the Athletics vs Orioles 2017 season, offering a comprehensive look back at a year of exciting baseball.
A Tale of Two Teams: Contrasting Approaches
The 2017 Athletics and Orioles represented two contrasting approaches to team building. The Athletics, known for their strategic use of analytics and a focus on developing young talent, were in the midst of a rebuild. They were a young and scrappy team that surprised many with their resilience, particularly in the second half of the season.
The Orioles, on the other hand, were a veteran-laden squad with a strong offensive core. They had high expectations for the season, hoping to build on their success from the previous year. However, their season was marred by inconsistency and a lack of pitching depth, ultimately preventing them from reaching their full potential.
The Early Season: A Glimpse of Potential
The Athletics started the season strong, showcasing their young talent and surprising their opponents with their aggressive style of play. They were particularly impressive in April, winning 14 of their first 21 games. The Orioles also started the season well, winning 10 of their first 14 games. The two teams met for the first time in late April, with the Athletics taking two of three games in Baltimore.
The Mid-Season Slump: A Test of Character
Both teams faced challenges in the middle of the season. The Athletics struggled to maintain their early-season momentum, losing 12 of their next 15 games in May. The Orioles, despite a strong offensive performance, were hampered by their pitching staff, losing 10 of their next 13 games. The two teams met again in June, with the Orioles taking two of three games in Oakland.
The Second Half Surge: The Athletics Fight Back
The Athletics entered the second half of the season with a renewed sense of purpose. They went on a tear in July, winning 16 of their 22 games. The Orioles, meanwhile, struggled to find consistency, losing 10 of their next 13 games in July. The two teams met again in August, with the Athletics taking two of three games in Baltimore.
The Final Stretch: A Season of What-Ifs
The Athletics continued their impressive run in the final month of the season, winning 15 of their last 22 games. However, they ultimately fell short of a playoff berth, finishing with a record of 75-87. The Orioles, despite a late-season surge, also missed the playoffs, finishing with a record of 75-87.
A Look Back: Key Moments and Players
The 2017 season was filled with memorable moments. One of the most notable moments was the Athletics’ series win over the New York Yankees in late August. The Athletics, who had been struggling against the Yankees in recent years, defeated the reigning AL East champions in a thrilling three-game series. Another highlight was the emergence of young players like Matt Chapman and Matt Olson for the Athletics. Both players established themselves as key pieces for the future, showcasing their offensive and defensive prowess.
For the Orioles, the season was marked by the offensive brilliance of Manny Machado and Adam Jones. Machado, in particular, had a phenomenal season, hitting 33 home runs and driving in 102 runs.
The Legacy of the Athletics vs Orioles 2017 Season
The 2017 season was a memorable one for both the Athletics and the Orioles. While neither team reached the playoffs, the season was a testament to the competitive spirit of both teams. The Athletics showed that they were a team on the rise, while the Orioles demonstrated that they were still a force to be reckoned with.
A Look Ahead: The Future of the Rivalry
The rivalry between the Athletics and Orioles is one that has been defined by its intensity and passion. While the two teams have taken different paths in recent years, the rivalry remains strong. With both teams looking to contend for a playoff spot in the coming years, the rivalry is only going to grow more intense.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: What were the key differences in the 2017 Athletics and Orioles teams?
A: The Athletics were a young team focused on developing talent, while the Orioles were a veteran-laden team with a strong offensive core. The Athletics relied on a strong pitching staff and a balanced offense, while the Orioles struggled with pitching depth despite their offensive firepower.
Q: What were some of the key moments of the 2017 Athletics vs Orioles season?
A: The Athletics’ series win over the Yankees in late August was a notable moment. The emergence of young players like Matt Chapman and Matt Olson for the Athletics was also a highlight. For the Orioles, the offensive brilliance of Manny Machado and Adam Jones stood out.
Q: What are the prospects for the Athletics vs Orioles rivalry going forward?
A: The rivalry is likely to intensify as both teams aim for playoff contention. The Athletics are expected to continue their development, while the Orioles are looking to rebuild their pitching staff. The future of the rivalry is exciting and full of potential.
Q: What were the final records of the Athletics and Orioles in 2017?
A: Both the Athletics and Orioles finished the 2017 season with a record of 75-87.
Q: What were the key factors that contributed to the Athletics’ second-half surge in 2017?
A: The Athletics’ second-half surge was driven by a number of factors, including the emergence of young players, improved pitching, and a renewed sense of purpose. The team’s ability to overcome adversity and play with confidence was also crucial.
