Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports
It will be a battle of American League division leaders as the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers head to Baltimore to face the red-hot Orioles, currently at the top of the AL East.
This road trip begins a challenging stretch for the Tigers which will see them playing five of the next six series away from Comerica Park, including their second of three West Coast trips. They will play 20 games in 21 days, including 17 days in a row from May 16 through June 1.
Detroit Tigers (20-12) at Baltimore Orioles (20-15) — 7:05 PM EDT
Oriole Park at Camden Yards
TV: FSD
Radio: 97.1 The Ticket (click for radio affiliates)
Weather: 85 degrees, clear skies
When We Last Met
The Detroit Tigers and Baltimore Orioles met in the first week of the season at Comerica Park with the Tigers claiming the first two games to run their record to 4-0. The Orioles were able to avoid the sweep on Sunday afternoon as Chris Tillman outdueled Justin Verlander for the 3-1 Baltimore victory. Thankfully, the Tigers will miss Tillman this series.
Pitching Matchup
Rick Porcello (5-1, 3.49) has had a great start to his 2014 season and that began against these Orioles. Rick went just shy of seven innings, allowing one run and three hits in a win on April 5 that ran the Tigers’ record to 4-0. Porcello has put together back-to-back nice games, allowing two earned runs in each, and will be looking for his fifth straight win.
Bud Norris (2-2, 3.82) opposed Porcello in that early season game and allowed a season-high five runs and nine hits in just five innings of work in the 7-6 Tigers’ victory. Since then, he has steadied the ship, allowing just six runs over his last three starts (two wins and a no-decision).
Tigers Lineup
- Ian Kinsler-2B
- Torii Hunter-RF
- Miguel Cabrera-1B
- Victor Martinez-DH
- Austin Jackson-CF
- Nick Castellanos-2B
- Alex Avila-C
- Andrew Romine-SS
- Rajai Davis-LF
Injuries
Tigers
- Anibal Sanchez – 15-day DL
- Luke Putkonen – 15-day DL
- Joel Hanrahan – 15-day DL
- Andy Dirks – 60-day DL
- Jose Iglesias – 60-day DL
- Bruce Rondon – Out for the season
Orioles
- Francisco Peguero — 15 day DL
- Michael Almanzar — Out indefinitely
- Nolan Reimold –Out indefinitely
- Edgmer Escalona — 60-day DL