Tigers Take Down Orioles, 6-1

Aug 2, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Daniel Norris (44) pitches during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The future looked bright for the Detroit Tigers on Sunday.

Newly acquired lefty Daniel Norris dazzled against the Baltimore Orioles. The major piece received in the deal that sent David Price to Toronto, Norris made his first start as a Tiger and was brilliant. The Tigers beat the Orioles 6-1 in Baltimore, giving Norris his first of many wins as a Tiger and putting him at 2-1 on the year.

The prospect most famously known for living in a Volkswaggon Van during Spring Training, had spent a majority of 2015 pitching for the Blue Jay’s AAA affiliate. Being right in the thick of things for the Wild Card and AL East title, Toronto couldnt afford for Norris to learn on the fly in the majors.

The Tigers, however, who are in “reboot” mode, decided to not even bother sending him to Toledo and got him in rotation right away.

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The results were impressive. Norris dominated almost the entire Baltimore lineup, allowing only one run on a solo shot to Chris Davis. He retired Manny Machado three straight times, something that no Tigers pitcher has been able to do all season.

He also showed off his exceptional fielding skills, as he made an leaping grab on a popped up bunt early in the game.

Norris’ final numbers were 7.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB 5 K’s. At one point before being pulled in the 8th inning, he had retired twelve straight Orioles. He only threw 84 pitches, showing how efficiently he move through opposing lineups.

Having breathing room early makes things a bit easier as well.

J.D. Martinez hit his 29th home run of the season in the first inning of Ubaldo Jimenez. It was a 3-run shot to left-center and was all Norris needed.

Jimenez finished the day going 4.2 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 1 BB, 2 K’s.

The other three runs came off the bats off Anthony Gose, Jose Iglesias, and Ian Kinsler. Kinsler continued his absolute monster series at Baltimore, adding 12 hits in 17 opportunities at Camden Yards.

Although it was not a save opportunity, new closer Alex Wilson finished out the ninth inning after Bruce Rondon sailed through the 8th inning.

The Tigers have an off day Monday before they head home to face the AL Central leading Kansas City Royals. They are currently 11.5 games behind the Royals for the division lead and 3.5 back of the Wild Card.