The Detroit Tigers came into the season predicted as one of the top contenders for a World Series title, while the Baltimore Orioles were pegged last in their division by many. This season, the Orioles (96-66) have proved most of the doubters wrong and the Tigers (90-72), despite a few stumbles, have surfaced as the division winners most thought they’d be. The two will clash in this five-game series with visions of much more than an ALCS appearance.
Starting Pitchers
Max Scherzer (Tigers): 18-5, 3.15 ERA. Scherzer has certainly been solid this season, but it’s not the same Scherzer that won the 2013 Cy Young. However, he’s been strong (2.87 ERA) since the All-Star break.
Chris Tillman (Orioles): 13-6, 3.36 ERA. Tillman, like Scherzer, failed to regain his 2013 form, but has been ace-like since the All-Star break, with a (2.33 ERA). He’s the closest the Orioles have to a true No. 1 starter, and he must be that good if he’ll beat Scherzer.
Impact Hitters
Nelson Cruz (Orioles): Cruz was one of the top power hitters in the game this season, hitting 40 home runs and driving in 108 runs to lead the Orioles offensively. He will bring a wealth of postseason experience to a team that doesn’t have all that much. Plus, he’s batting 8-for-21 with a home run and four RBIs against Scherzer.
Adam Jones (Orioles): Jones is the leader of this team and provided another good season to back it up. He batted .281 with 29 home runs and 96 RBIs and just like Cruz, he does well against Scherzer. In 18 career at-bats, he has nine hits and a home run.
Miguel Cabrera (Tigers): Cabrera didn’t have a Triple Crown season like in 2014, but he still put up some strong stats. His .313 batting average and 109 RBIs are something to fear. He also bats .385 with a home run and four RBIs against Tillman.
Victor Martinez (Tigers): Martinez was quietly the best offensive threat the Tigers had this season. He batted .335 with 32 home runs and 103 RBIs en route to a second-place finish in the batting title race. He’s also posted a 4-for-10 clip against Tillman is his career.
Pitching Advantage
This one isn’t hard to pick, but don’t count the Orioles out in terms of picking. The Tigers simply have an advantage with their starters and Scherzer is no exception. He’s had an ERA below 3,00 in his last two postseasons and comes in with much more experience than Tillman. However, the Orioles’ sixth-ranked bullpen could give them a boost over a 27th-ranked Tigers bullpen.
Hitting Advantage
The Orioles ran away with the home run lead, taking the title by 25 home runs. However, the Tigers lead the league in runs since the All-Star break, with 320. They also hold a higher team batting average (.277) than the Orioles (.256). This matchup is a toss-up, but the team who scores the most run wins, so the Tigers win this slightly.
Tigers will Win Because....
They simply have a better offense and pitching rotation than the Orioles. Scherzer will pitching eight strong innings and the bullpen won’t be used much. Cabrera and Martinez will get after Tillman early and won’t need insurance with Scherzer on the mound.
Orioles will Win Because.....
They will get to Scherzer before he can get into his groove. Scherzer will leave after six innings and the bullpen will struggle to hold back Cruz and the powerful offense. Tillman will contain the Tigers offense and give the home crowd something to cheer for.
Final Prediction
Orioles: 5
Tigers: 3