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O's try to secure first division title since 1997

Sep 16, 2014 - 4:14 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - The Baltimore Orioles try to lock up their first American League East title in 17 years on Tuesday when they continue their three-game series with the Toronto Blue Jays at Camden Yards.

Baltimore comes into the contest with a magic number of one to clinch their first division crown since 1997 and should it win tonight it would mark the first time the team has clinched the crown in front of its fans since 1969.

"It's pretty special to come in here (Tuesday) and have a chance to do that," manager Buck Showalter said. "I've had a lot of sleepless nights for a lot of reasons, but tonight I look forward to losing that sleep. It's been a long, hard grind to have that opportunity, and I'm looking forward to the chance to see our guys get a chance."

Baltimore moved to the doorstep of a division title on Monday, as Ryan Flaherty hit a two-run homer, Adam Jones had three hits and the Orioles beat the Blue Jays, 5-2.

"The tea tastes sweeter, the ketchup's better, things look better than they normally look," Showalter said. "I woke up the other day and there's a little crispness in the air, the leaves are starting to fall a little bit, there's a little color starting to come in. It's that time of year. It's good to be alive.

"It's got nothing to do with the whole, 'Where we are with the baseball team.' But there's no sadder time than the end of a baseball season when you're not in it."

Wei-Yin Chen (16-4) pitched 5 2/3 innings and remained unbeaten in his last seven starts. The left-hander gave up nine hits, two runs and a walk and struck out six.

The Orioles have won eight of their last nine, are 11-4 this month and lead the division by 12 1/2 games.

Jose Reyes had three hits and scored two runs for the Blue Jays, who have lost three of their last four. Marcus Stroman (10-6) took the loss after giving up five runs in six innings.

"Both teams had a lot of hits; we didn't get any with guys in scoring position, really, all night," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said.

Ubaldo Jimenez gets the spot start on Tuesday. The right-hander has continued to struggle since being removed from the rotation, allowing four runs in his 4 1/3 innings (8.31 ERA). He is 4-9 on the year with a 4.96 ERA.

Jimenez, who signed a four-year, $50 million contract with Baltimore in the offseason, hasn't started since Aug. 16.

"It would be sweet," Jimenez said of starting potential clincher. "It would be really nice to be able to do that."

Toronto, meanwhile, will counter with righty Drew Hutchison, who is 10-11 with a 4.36 ERA. Hutchison beat the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday, limiting them to a run and four hits over 6 1/3 innings. He also struck out 10 in the win.

Hutchison has pitched to a 0.98 ERA in 27 2/3 innings versus the O's this season.

Baltimore is 8-6 versus the Blue Jays this season.