Baltimore Sun reporters, columnists and editors share their immediate reaction to Game 3 of the American League Division Series between the Orioles and the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park.
Eduardo A. Encina, reporter: The Orioles made it exciting to the end. They're now among the final four teams in baseball. On to the AL Championship Series. They beat the Tigers' three-headed Cy Young winner monster. And in Game 3, the Tigers' murderer's row of Torii Hunter, Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez and J.D. Martinez were 2-for-15.
Dan Connolly, reporter: I thought the Orioles would win this series. But not this quickly -- not against three consecutive Cy Young Award winners and a team that has been in the playoffs four straight years. Sunday was probably the Orioles' most impressive victory, because it was on the road in a hostile environment. And the Orioles had to hold off a rally by the Tigers in the ninth. Great game. Great series. And now onto the ALCS.
Peter Schmuck, columnist: Call it Oriole Magic. Call it destiny. Call it anything you want. The Orioles are halfway to heaven after a resounding three-game sweep of the Tigers. Bud Norris turned the great Detroit lineup inside out, and the bullpen, as usual, did the rest. Oh, and with a dash of Buck fairy dust at the end for good measure.
Dean Jones Jr., editor: One step down, two to go. The Orioles were a more consistent team than the Tigers this season, so it's not surprising to see them advance to the ALCS. But it's surprising to see how easy it was -- at least until the last inning. Orioles right-hander Bud Norris shut down Detroit's big hitters in a dominating performance to clinch the sweep.
Ron Fritz, sports editor: No Matt Wieters. No Manny Machado. No Chris Davis. No problem. The Orioles really took all the life out of the Tigers this series. A really impressive performance in all aspects of the game. Honestly, at this point, who is going to stop the Orioles?