MLB Preview 2012: Detroit Tigers vs. Baltimore Orioles

The Detroit Tigers (44-42) and Baltimore Orioles (45-40) will open up a three-game American League series on Friday night at Camden Yards, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 ET

Detroit Tigers at Baltimore Orioles 

The Baltimore Orioles are trying to post their first winning record in 15 seasons

Detroit pushed its win streak to five games with a 7-1 home victory over the Kansas City Royals, which produced a three-game sweep in the series.  “It’s what I talked about all year,” commented Tigers manager Jim Leyland.  “It’s big hits, some big home runs, good pitching, good bullpen.”  The Tigers will come out of the All-Star break trailing the first-place Chicago White Sox by 3.5 games in the AL Central division standings.  Detroit is 5-2 in its last seven road games versus right-handed starters.

Tigers starting pitcher Doug Fister (2-6, 4.75 ERA) earned an 8-7 home victory over the Kansas City Royals in his last effort, allowing four runs and eight hits over six innings.  The right-hander is 0-4 with a 4.89 ERA in six road starts, issuing seven walks and striking out 28 batters in 35 combined frames.  In four career starts versus the Orioles, Fister has compiled a 2-1 record and 4.68 ERA, including an 0-1 mark and 7.59 ERA in two efforts at Camden Yards.

Baltimore is hoping to snap a string of 14 consecutive losing seasons, but the club is starting to head in the wrong direction after posting a 14-9 record in April, and following it up with a 15-win May.  “We’ve got to do better,” stated Orioles manager Buck Showalter.  The bullpen has been one of the best in baseball leading into the Midsummer Classic, posting an AL-best 2.75 ERA.  Baltimore is 13-3 in its last 16 games following an off day.

Orioles starting pitcher Jason Hammel (8-5, 3.47 ERA) has lost his last three starts, allowing 15 runs and 21 hits over 16.2 combined innings in that span.  The right-hander is 4-1 with a 3.53 ERA in seven home outings, serving up two home runs in 43.1 frames.  In six career games (three starts) versus the Tigers, Hammel has produced a 2-0 record and 6.20 ERA, including a 13-6 home victory on June 17.  He gave up six runs and eight hits over 6.1 innings in that effort.

Bettors will likely back the Orioles due to their 5-2 mark in Hammel’s last seven home starts, while the Tigers are 0-6 in Fister’s last six road efforts.

Make sure to check out our Major League Baseball picks all season long and get the most up-to-date betting odds at Bookmaker

Share This Post

The information contained at this site is for entertainment purposes only. Any use of this information in violation of any state, federal, or local laws is prohibited.
Copyright © MadduxSports.com - Premier Sports Picks and Sports Odds Web site