If a streak has to end, it should happen with a lot of meaning.

Unfortunately for the Orioles, it came at their expense, during Game 3 of the American League Division Series. The Birds had won 16 straight extra-inning games in 2012, but Wednesday's 3-2 loss to the Yankees in New York was soul-crushing for fans and players. Up, 2-1, in the ninth inning, the Orioles watched closer Jim Johnson give up a solo home run to Raul Ibanez. Ibanez then hit a solo blast in the 12th.

It was the kind of thing the Yankees used to do to the Red Sox during the postseason: Some unlikely legend wearing pinstripes comes along and dashes hopes and dreams.

The streak of 16 extra-inning victories for the Orioles provided a sense of confidence usually afforded to a team such as the Yankees. Even though New York had the momentum, the Birds were giving off a "We've got this" sense. There was no panic or a feeling that they didn't know how to cope with adversity.

The Orioles and manager Buck Showalter will need to pick up the pieces tonight. They have no other choice. If they lose, the Birds' historic year is finished. The stakes couldn't be higher, and the O's have shown time and time again that this is when they thrive the most.

Posted Oct. 11, 2012