Not being able to beat the Baltimore Orioles in the series opener was one of the most embarrassing moments of the 2021 Red Sox season. After all, it’s not that they lost, it’s how they lost, and who beat them.
The 2021 Orioles have lost over 100 games, their third straight (full) season with over 100 losses. In each of those seasons, the Red Sox have finished above .500, including their franchise-record 108-win season and championship in 2018.
The Orioles are a team that most teams are happy to face because games against them are an opportunity to pad both personal and team stats.