The Orioles claimed their 90th victory of the season with a 9-1 victory against the Boston Red Sox Friday. The Orioles, in control of the American League's top wild-card spot, reduced their magic number for making the postseason to three games.

The win came courtesy of a grand slam by utility infielder Ryan Flaherty, who had disappointed in late-game scenarios recently. He sent the homer to the right-center field bleachers, just to the left of the scoreboard, capping off a six-run first inning.

Perhaps the most impressive performance of the night came from starting pitcher Chris Tillman, who allowed just one hit during eight innings of work. He walked two and struck out four batters. If the Orioles make the playoffs, Tillman could start the first game of a postseason series. 

He's up for it, too. He's looked particularly strong during the second half of the season, after spending the first half in Triple-A Norfolk. Tillman is now 9-2 and has an impressive 2.78 ERA.

"This is a guy that's not afraid of the competition," manager Buck Showalter said after the game. "He keeps putting himself in position to be worthy of getting the ball."

Before Flaherty's grand slam, Chris Davis hit his 29th homer of the season, a two-run shot to give the Orioles a 2-1 lead.

Flaherty's home run was the 122nd at home for the Orioles, a team record. The club also reported it is now higher than the two million mark for season attendance. The Orioles hadn't reached two million fans since the 2007 season.

After the six-run first, the Orioles tacked on three more runs thanks to RBI doubles from third baseman Manny Machado and Flaherty.

Catcher Matt Wieters missed the game after the birth of his son. His replacement, Taylor Teagarden, hit an RBI single during the fifth to give the Orioles their 9-1 lead.

Posted Sept. 28, 2012