Amazing Orioles continue historic sweep-free streak

By winning 2 out of 3 games against the Colorado Rockies, the Orioles continued perhaps their most impressive - and equally peculiar - streak of not being swept in 81 consecutive series. To put this into perspective, the Orioles were last swept during a May 13-15, 2022 weekend series in Detroit. This was, of course, six days before the team recalled Adley Rutschman for his Major League debut against the Rays.

That's right: Adley Rutschman has never been swept in his Major League career. While the Orioles' success since recalling Rutschman has gained national attention, they are 140-98 since May 21, 2022, the sweep-less streak has, perhaps, flown under the radar.

The Orioles have not been swept in a remarkable 81 consecutive series

For some perspective, the Orioles' 5-1 loss to Detroit on Sunday, May 15 dropped them to 14-21. Trey Mancini accounted for the O's only run with a solo home run. Robinson Chirinos was the Orioles starting catcher at the time, Rylan Bannon started at designated hitter, and Tyler Nevin played third. Chris Owings took over for an injured Jorge Mateo at short and had three at bats.

The Orioles' 81 sweep-free series places them fourth all-time in Major League history and only two series behind the 1922-24 Yankees for third all time. The 1942-44 St. Louis Cardinals hold the longest streak at 125 sweep-free series, while the New York Giants avoided being swept for 105 straight series.

To put this into perspective, the Orioles have the longest sweep-less streak in Major League Baseball since the conclusion of World War II, since Hawaii and Alaska became states, and since a man walked on the moon. Looking ahead, the Orioles will take sole possession of third place all time if they avoid sweeps at home against the White Sox, on the road in Arizona, and on the road against the Mike Trout-less Angels.

The 81-series sweep-less streak has not stopped the O's from bringing out the brooms against their opponents, however. In 2023 alone, the 81-49 Orioles have swept the Nationals, Tigers, Blue Jays, Royals, Twins, Marlins, Mets, and Athletics. The Orioles have had a few close calls, staving off sweeps in the final game of series against Rangers, Brewers, Cubs, Twins, Dodgers, and Astros. Of course, as with any streak, there are bound to be close calls.

There is no question that Baltimore Orioles have enjoyed an incredible 2023 season. They have been in first place in the AL East for over one month, sent four players to Seattle for the 2023 All Star game, and have dominated their AL East rivals. Just ask the Toronto Blue Jays, who finished the season 3-10 against the O's.

But during all this fun in Birdland, the Orioles have quietly pieced together an historic streak not seen since Franklin Roosevelt was in the White House. While a chance at the all-time record of 125 straight sweep-less series will have to wait until next year (assuming the Orioles can maintain the streak for the rest of this season), this just gives us another reason to be so incredible proud of our Orioles.