Tigers at Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles look to halt their five-game losing streak and avenge a three-game road sweep last week when they continue their nine-game homestand Friday against the Detroit Tigers in the opener of their three-game series. Baltimore, which lost three in Detroit from April 17-19, dropped a 9-5 decision to Tampa Bay on Thursday for its 13th setback in 15 contests.
Anthony Santander and Adam Jones each recorded three hits for the Orioles, with the latter belting a two-run homer that ended his 17-game drought. Detroit has lost three of four after being edged 1-0 at Pittsburgh on Thursday. The defeat, which came courtesy of a walk-off homer in the ninth inning, actually was a victory for a Tigers' pitching staff that was battered by the Pirates for 18 runs in Wednesday's doubleheader. Leonys Martin went 2-for-4 for Detroit on Thursday, giving him multi-hit performances in seven of his last 12 contests.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, MASN2 (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Mike Fiers (2-1, 3.71 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Chris Tillman (0-4, 9.87)
Fiers managed to come away with the victory against Kansas City on Saturday despite yielding four runs - two earned - and 10 hits in 5 1/3 innings. The 32-year-old Floridian has issued just one walk in each of his three turns this season but failed to register a strikeout versus the Royals. Fiers has won each of his two career starts against Baltimore, allowing two runs while striking out 16 over 14 frames.
Tillman's struggles this season continued Saturday as he surrendered four runs and eight hits - three homers - over six innings in a loss to Cleveland. It was the longest outing of the year for the 30-year-old Californian, who has given up 19 runs on 30 hits and 11 walks over 17 1/3 frames in his four turns. Tillman is hoping to continue the success he has had against Detroit during his career as he is 6-1 with a 3.12 ERA in 10 starts versus the Tigers.
WALK-OFFS
1. Tigers 1B Miguel Cabrera has gone 9-for-18 during his five-game hitting streak.
2. Detroit recalled RHP Johnny Barbato from Triple-A Toledo and optioned OF Mike Gerber to the Mud Hens.
3. Baltimore 3B Tim Beckham underwent core muscle surgery on Thursday and is expected to be sidelined for at least six weeks.