Rays clinch 5th straight playoff berth despite loss to Orioles
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 17: Manuel Margot #13 of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrates with teammate Randy Arozarena #56 after making a catch on a hit by the Baltimore Orioles during the second inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 17, 2
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) - The Tampa Bay Rays clinched their fifth straight postseason berth Sunday afternoon despite their extra-inning loss to the Orioles with a Texas Rangers loss to the Cleveland Guardians.
The Orioles also officially punched their ticket to the playoffs under the scenario, securing their first postseason berth since 2016.
READ MORE: Rays defeat Orioles 7-1 on combined two-hitter, pull even in AL East
Texas' loss ensured Baltimore and Tampa Bay would each gain at least a wild card in the American League.
The Orioles ended up walking off the Rays in the 11th inning of their series finale in Baltimore on Sunday, winning 5-4 and gaining a slight edge in the AL East standings.