The Detroit Tigers (0-2) are in a crucial win or go home game against the Baltimore Orioles (2-0) at 3:45 PM EST on TBS. The Orioles took the first two games of the series because of a struggling Tigers bullpen. This game will be played at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan.
The bullpen has been manned by Anibal Sanchez, Phil Coke, Joakim Soria and Joba Chamberlain.
Sanchez pitched in Game 2 and was lights out. He pitched two perfect innings before giving the ball up. Coke pitched in Game 1. He pitched only 1/3 of the inning. He gave up one hit and one earned run. Soria has pitched in both games this postseason. He has allowed five runs on four hits over one total inning. He has also walked two batters. Soria has a 45.00 ERA this postseason. Chamberlain was a solid pitcher in the regular season. He was an amazing set up man, but not so much in the postseason. He has only recorded one out while pitching in both games. He allowed four runs on three hits. Chamberlain has a 108.00 ERA.
As expected, Miguel Cabrera has led the way for the Tigers. He is 4 for 7 with a double and a home run. He has also racked up one RBI.
The other two threats for the Tigers have been Victor Martinez and J.D. Martinez. The "Martinez Bro's" have gone 5 for 16 with three RBI's and three home runs. However, the strike out rates have been up, six strikeouts between the two sluggers.
The Tigers will look to David Price to get the job done in a crucial situation. He was solid through the regular season with a 11-8 record. He also has a 3.11 ERA and a 1.146 WHIP. The previous Cy-Young winner will try and go late into the ball game especially with the bullpen struggling.
Surprisingly enough, the Orioles have been led by Delmon Young. The veteran has had one at-bat, but it was a crucial at-bat. He ripped a drive down the line to clear the bases and lead Baltimore to a late game win.
Another strong hitter who has led the Orioles is Nelson Cruz. He has went 4 for 8 with three RBI's. Cruz added a home runs in Game 1 of the series. Nick Markakis has been another superstar for the Orioles to this point in the postseason. He has hit .375 along with one home run and three RBI's.
Baltimore was planning to send Miguel Gonzalez to the mound, but made a change to Bud Norris on Saturday afternoon. After four straight losing seasons, Norris got back on track with a 15-8 record and a 3.65 ERA. He started 28 games and gave up a total of 67 earned runs.
If the Tigers do not win today, they will be eliminated and the Orioles will move on to the American League Championship Series. This is a crucial matchup for manager Brad Ausmus and the Detroit Tigers.