There are a number of statistical undertones as Chris Davis continues one of the greatest offensive seasons in Orioles history. Davis has a strong chance of overtaking Brady Anderson's single-season franchise home run record (50 in 1996), and he has an outside shot at Roger Maris' single-season American League record (61 in 1961). Davis can also play a role in preventing Detroit Tigers star Miguel Cabrera from becoming the first player in baseball history to win Triple Crowns in two straight seasons.
With that in mind, we'll provide a periodic update on Orioles Insider telling you everything you need to know about Davis' home run chase. (Feel free to follow his progress daily with the "Crush Counter" on our special Chris Davis webpage.)
DAVIS BY THE NUMBERS
Home run total (throught Sept. 1): 47
Games remaining: 27
Pace: 56
Last homer: Wednesday (Aug. 28) in Boston
UPCOMING OPPONENTS
Monday (@CLE): RHP Justin Masterson, 14-9, 3.49 ERA (Davis is 4-for-12 with 1 HR vs. him in his career)
Tuesday (@CLE): RHP Ubaldo Jiminez, 9-9, 3.95 ERA (Davis 0-for-3 with 2 Ks)
Wednesday (@CLE): RHP Zach McAllister, 7-8, 3.81 ERA (Davis 0-for-6)
Thursday (vs. CWS): LHP John Danks, 4-11, 4.35 ERA (Davis 0-for-11 with 3 Ks)
Friday (vs. CWS): RHP Andre Rienzo, 1-1, 5.03 ERA (Davis has never faced him)
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
On Sept. 2, 1961, Maris his his 52nd and 53rd homers against Detroit's Frank Lary and Hank Aguirre.
Barry Bonds, who holds baseball’s single-season record with 73 homers in 2001, had 57 at this point. (We know