Baltimore Orioles versus Detroit Tigers: Something Has To Give
Jun 28, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez (31) throws a pitch during the game against the Cleveland Indians at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
After a very up and down first half for the Baltimore Orioles, coming back to .500 ball after getting as high as seven games above, it would generally and historically be fearful that the O’s have to open the second half in Detroit against the Tigers. But the long-time successful Central Division power has been equally as mediocre… yes, truly equally – both teams share the same 44-44 record.
Both teams are also in third place. The Orioles are only four games out of first in the A.L. East, whereas the Tigers are nine games behind in the Central.
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Last year, after Baltimore lost five out of six seasonal games to Detroit, the Orioles had their best moment of the entire season by sweeping the Tigers in the Division Series.
The Orioles will be sending Ubaldo Jimenez (7-4, 2.81) to the mound. The Tigers are 31-36 against right-handed starters this year and are 22-23 at Comerica Park.
Jimenez will need to be good. The Tigers are #1 in the American League in both batting (.281) and on base percentage (.331), whereas the Orioles are sixth and tenth at .255 and .310. The Birds have a power edge with home runs – 110 to 86 (fourth and eighth in the A.L.), but an amazing stat is that the Orioles are next to last in the entire league in doubles.
On the other hand, if it seems like the O’s hit into a high number of double plays (and they do – 4th most in the A.L. with 77), the Tigers are runaway leaders at 97. Of course, you have to have men on base to have the “opportunity” to hit into a double play.
It is the pitching that has most hurt the Tigers this year, as they are 14th of 15 A.L. teams with a 4.31 ERA. The Orioles rank sixth with 3.71. Detroit is first in home runs allowed with 98, though the Orioles are third, just five behind them.
Detroit starter Anibal Sanchez (8-7, 4.63), though not with a great ERA, has been really, really good in his last six starts. After this first game, the Orioles will have to face David Price and then Justin Verlander. That is the way it is going to be. The O’s simply need to beat these people, over and over.