The big noise about the Orioles is they're lucky. They haven't lost an extra-innings game since Eddie Murray was called out on catcher's interference in '83, and they're 162-0 in one-run games this season. They've outpaced their Pythagorean record by over ten games ... and that last one isn't silly hyperbole.

But here's the lucky break that no one's talking about:

That's Evan Longoria's season line. Of note: that second column. Longoria didn't even play a half-season this year, and I'd wager that cost the Rays three or four wins. This 162nd game should have been a lot more exciting for them.

But Longoria's making up for the lost time, drilling a first-pitch fastball over the left-field fence, giving the Rays a 1-0 lead over the Orioles.

If the Orioles win and the Yankees lose, there's a one-game playoff for the East. That sounds intense, and you should root for it. I mean, I don't want to suggest you should root for the Yankees to lose, so live your life as you see fit.

Edit: Aaaaaaand, Longoria hit another one. 2-0 Rays.