Pat’s Prediction Record: 52-47
GAME 1
When: 7:05
The Starters: Tommy Hunter vs. Justin Verlander
The Orioles head out to Detroit for a very important series against the Tigers. The Tigers are just one back from the Rays and Orioles for a spot in the wild card position. The Orioles have Tommy Hunter on he mound to start off the series. Hunter had a decent start in his last outing which was against the Royals. He went 5 innings and gave up 3 runs. His ERA on the year is now 5.54 and his record his 4-7. He hasn’t faced the Tigers yet this year. As for the Tigers, they have reigning MVP Justin Verlander on the mound. Verlander has been terrific this year, just as he is every year. Although his record isn’t mind blowing at 12-7, his ERA is at a very low 2.46. In his one outing against the Orioles this year, he went 8 innings and didn’t give up a run, and received the win. I think that the Tigers will win game 1 of this series, 5-1.
GAME 2
When: 7:05
The Starters: Steve Johnson vs. Rick Porcello
For game two of this series, the Orioles have rookie Steve Johnson on the mound. Johnson has had only one start on the year and he faced a Mariners lineup that is not even close to as talented as the Tigers current lineup. Johnson did do good in that one start, giving up just 2 runs in 6 innings of work.. As for the Tigers, they have Rick Porcello on the mound. Porcello has been pretty good on the mound this year. His record is 9-7 and his ERA is at 4.68. Porcello has not faced the Orioles yet this year. I think the Tigers will take this one, 7-3.
GAME 3
When: 1:05
The Starters: Wei-Yin Chen vs. Doug Fister
For the final game of this series, the Orioles have Wei-Yin Chen taking the hill. Chen, in his last start pitched a gem after blowing up against the Royals, In his last start, facing the Red Sox, he went 7 innings and gave up 1 run. That improved his record to 11-7 and his ERA to 3.70. In his one start against the Tigers this year he went 6 innings and gave up 1 earned run. As for the Tigers, they have Doug Fister on the mound. Fister has been having a great year even though his record does not indicate it at 7-7. His ERA definitely does at 3.24. In his one start against the Orioles this year he went 7 innings and gave up 1 run. I think that the Orioles will win 3-2, and avoid the sweep.