Line score: O's: 1-6-1; Nats: 1-6-1. And we go to extra innings. You can't get any closer than this, folks. And the greatest thing: Unlike a couple of years ago when this was the battle of the cellar dwellers, this time around both these teams are playing for the top spot in the eastern divisions.

Unlike many Baltimoreans, I like Washington, D.C. I also like being in the Washington-Baltimore...whoops, sorry...Baltimore-Washington Consolidated Metro Area. (We are the fourth largest in the country.) I root for the Ravens, Redskins, O's, and now the Nats. Most of the major areas of the country have two major league sports teams in the N.F.L. and MLB, so I embrace the Nats. Having said that, go O's!

I just got back from the game. What a night. The first surprise came at the ticket booth, where the cheapest seat still available was $27. I guess that's the downside of having meaningful baseball. Though the upside is that $27 seat was like 20 or so rows back in the lower deck. I'll take it.

The crowd was really well-mixed and energetic. It was very friendly, not like hanging out with Yankees and Red Sox fans at Camden Yards or when I was down at Nats Park when they played the Phillies a couple weeks ago. I'm not going to lie, though; it felt good to invade someone else's park for a change. And even better to join some of my section in the O-R-I-O-L-E-S cheer.

And it was an exciting game. Jackson and Arrieta were brilliant on the mound. Bryce Harper is a daredevil (kid got two bags out of a sac fly). Kevin Gregg continues to impress, and I continue to be pleasantly surprised. It's easy to see why these two teams are where they are.

But in the end, when we went into extras, you can't stop Orioles Magic. Or Nick Markakis.

Maybe I'm drinking the orange Kool-Aid here, but I think it's a strong possibility in this topsy-turvy season that we're talking playoffs definitely in Baltimore and maybe in Washington. As the saying went, "Why not?"

BTW, I'm planning to go back to Nats Park to see Chen and Strasburg on Sunday. There's a duel to watch.

O-R-I-O-L-E-S !......Get your "ORI-TUDE ON!

Go O's!!!

O's lead the majors in wins, home runs, and turning double plays. Its still way too early to think the unthinkable after 15 years of losing, but the Yankees and RedSox are in 4th and 5th place in the AL East so life is good! We are going to the game Sunday and I will be rooting for the O's but I won't be booing the Nats. Harper is the best rookie to play this game since Mays and Mantle. Every locals dream should be a Beltway World Series some day!

What's really important to remember here...is that the Texas Rangers stomped the O's at home, and Josh Hamilton made history in Baltimore! hahahahahaha! The Yankees and Redsox are WEAK, so being on top is...well, not that impressive. I went to one of the (Texas vs O's) games and I have to say I'm so sick of fans BOOing other teams! Why do people do that? Just cheer for YOUR team, stop BOOing other teams! No reason for the hate, really...it's stupid. The personal attacks on the players themselves REALLY needs to go away. Got really sick of some hillbilly O's fan YELLING at the Rangers pitcher to "go home" and that he sucks.

My wife is an O's fan and I'm hoping she reads this. :) If any fans get offended by my post, get your head checked. It's just a game.

I was there Friday night. LOVED seeing all those Nats fans leave with their heads down :)

I'm not a jerk or anything, but it feels good seeing the Orioles, once again, pull out a close win.

Friday night was my almost-5-year-old son's very first professional baseball game and he loved it! He came home with a Nat's cap, so I guess that's where his allegiance lies.

@marc I meant to say 19 year old rookie, most players are in the minors for 5 years . This kid is the real deal watch him run the bases or play the outfield and you will see why Harper has so much buzz and people like you are booing him!

First time in years that I have been to several ball games in Baltimore. I went to four so far and am ready to go again. I can't believe their success right now but I'm riding the wave

Peter Angelos. Dan Snyder. Two of a kind. You've got to root for the Nats.

I coached 12 year old travel baseball in Perry Hall for over 20 years. I love baseball. I cannot stand Major League baseball due to no salary cap and the unbalanced schedule. Thus I watch games, but have not bought a ticket since the opening season at Camden Yards. In the case of Mr. Angelos, there is a reason why his law firm has no partners, he wants full, absolute control of his property, just like the O's.

As I was a long time suffering Senators fan (Griffith Stadium), it's great to see the Nat's playing so well. We used to hate the Orioles, when they would regulary beat up on the Nat's of old.
It's great to see "both" teams in contention, maybe a Parkway series someday. How great would that be, could go to both stadiums with ease.
I like the way both teams have built their teams..........
Rockville.....was Senators country

Amazing that this is still a relevant article. As of game time tonight both teams still in first place!