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
Justin Verlander (Tigers): 15-12, 4.54 ERA. Verlander had a relatively bad season in comparison to his previous few seasons, yet he emerges as a threat after allowing five runs in three starts. He has postseason experience and it could be useful against a less inexperienced Chen.
Wei-Yin Chen (Orioles): 16-6, 3.54 ERA. Chen has been as consistent as they come this season, but he doesn’t has ace stuff to work with. If we can hold the Tigers’ bats to three or fewer runs, he will have done his job. However, it’s just his second postseason start.
Impact Hitters
Nick Markakis (Orioles): The Orioles as a team is batting .185 against Verlander, which doesn’t lend to many impact hitters. However, Markakis has had his fair share of success against the Tigers pitcher. He’s 12-for-48 with four doubles in his career against Verlander, and in the leadoff spot, that could serve the team well.
Alejandro De Aza (Orioles): De Aza was 2-for-4 in Game 1, a sign that he is capable of working in the No. 2 spot. Plus, he boasts 31 plate appearances against Verlander. He has two home runs off the Tigers’ pitcher.
Miguel Cabrera (Tigers): Cabrera was strong in Game 1, hitting a home run and drawing a walk in the Tigers loss. He hasn’t faced Chen much in his career, but he’s one of the best clutch hitters in baseball.
Ian Kinsler (Tigers): Kinsler was the king of strong plate appearances in Game 1, and he’s batting 3-for-10 against Chen. This sets up for another chance to have a good game at the leadoff position.
Pitching Advantage: Justin Verlander hasn’t been himself this season, but he can turn it on at any moment. He’s allowed just five runs in his last three starts. Chen is his normal consistent self, but Verlander has the pedigree of a Cy Young award and World Series appearances to go with him.
Hitting Advantage: The Orioles won Game 1 by a score of 12-3; an unexpected blowout. The Tigers managed to hit three home runs, but the Orioles can produce runs from top to bottom.
Tigers will Win Because...
Verlander pitches like the ace he was. He goes eight innings allowing two or fewer runs en route to the win. The less the bullpen is used, the better. Cabrera gets a few more RBIs.
Orioles will Win Because..
they get to Verlander early, chasing him after just six innings. With a powerful offense facing a weak Tigers bullpen, the Orioles tack on more runs late.
Final Prediction
Orioles: 6
Tigers: 5