"That's what we're going to need"- Gunnar Henderson names the top requirement for Orioles to win tight AL East race

After winning Saturday's game against the Cleveland Guardians, the Baltimore Orioles are tied for the AL East top spot with the New York Yankees, both enjoying an identical record of 66-46. While the Yankees are being led from the front by their captain, Aaron Judge, the same can be said about the O's and their 23-year-old star, Gunnar Henderson.

The former AL Rookie of the Year was impressed with newly acquired pitcher Zach Eflin, who pitched 6.1 innings, allowing only two earned runs.

“It's been awesome playing behind him. He controls the zone really well. Seems like he's always working the edges, and it's been really fun playing behind him,” Henderson said, via Fox Sports: MLB.

Henderson also talked about the requirement for the team to finish on top in a tight AL East race.

“Yeah, everybody's got a buy-in mentality, and it seems like everybody's just ready to go no matter who's called on each night. That's what we're going to need down the stretch and in the playoffs as well,” Henderson added.

The Orioles will need to continue this momentum to make sure they go toe-to-toe in their divisional rivalry with the Yankees.

Gunnar Henderson and Zach Eflin shine in Orioles' 7-4 win over Guardians

MLB: Baltimore Orioles at Cleveland Guardians - Source: Imagn

Before exiting the ballgame, Zach Eflin made sure the Orioles were in the lead, 3-2. The game went down to the wire until the visiting team scored four runs in the eighth to seal their victory. The Guardians did try to make a comeback by adding two more runs in the ninth, but they still were three short of tying the game.

For the Orioles, Gunnar Henderson scored two runs on three hits while also contributing with one RBI. Adley Rutschman came in as a pinch hitter for Eloy Jimenez and immediately made an impact with a two-run RBI shot. That helped extend the O's lead in the eighth.

Rookie Jackson Holliday also had another good outing, going 2-4 with one RBI and one run scored.

For the Guardians, a pair of two-run homers coming in the third and eighth innings were their only scoring shots on the night. They were slammed by Angel Martinez and Jose Ramirez.

The fourth and last game of the series will be played on Sunday. The Guardians won the first two games of the series, while the O's got one back on Saturday.