Must win Game 5 for the Pirates and they have to face ace Jim Palmer (21-12 2.26 Grade 18), while they send their ace Bert Blyleven (14-10 3.03) to the mound.
Pitching was in control through 4 as the only run was scored in the second by a 2 out RBI single by Eddie Murray. The Orioles would give Palmer some breathing room in the 5th when Doug DeCinces hit a bases clearing double and Rick Dempsey would single DeCinces home. Baltimore would lead 5-0 and that would be more than enough for Palmer. Bill Robinson hits a two run homer in the 8th but it was too little too late. Baltimore wins the series 4-1.
Final Score: Orioles 5, Pirates 3
WP: Jim Palmer (2-0)
LP: Bert Blyleven (0-2)
HR’s: Pirates – Bill Robinson (1)
The Orioles will go on to face the winner of the #23 seed NY Mets and #2 Boston Red Sox series in the Elite 8.