In a game that could be a shootout, Mike Pelfrey (0-4, 6.23 ERA) and the Detroit Tigers (15-18) are in Baltimore to take on Ubaldo Jimenez (2-3, 4.54 ERA) and the Orioles (20-12). This is the first of a four-game series at Camden Yards. Action begins at 7:05 p.m. ET on Thursday, May. 12 and can be seen on MASN and FSDT.
Jimenez pitched 8.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering two runs, striking out six and walking one in a 5-2 win over the Athletics. Mark Trumbo (.323, 19 Rs, 11 HRs, 27 RBIs, 1 SB) continued his strong play yesterday, going 2 for 5 with two runs, two home runs, and three RBIs. Pelfrey went 5.0 innings, surrendering five runs and striking out three in a 10-5 defeat to the Rangers in his most recent start. Victor Martinez (.348, 17 Rs, 5 HRs, 18 RBIs) has been successful at the plate, going 3 for 4 yesterday.
The odds for Baltimore and Detroit are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. The Orioles have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 0.0 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 0.0 runs per game. The Orioles are one of the best in the MLB in terms of batting average with a phenomenal team average of .273. Crossing over to the pitching and defensive side, it’s been a struggle for opposing teams to score runs against the Orioles. The 3.3 runs that Baltimore’s pitchers allow per home game makes them the fifth-ranked AL staff at home.
Offensively, the Tigers have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 0.0 runs per game by averaging 0.0 during that stretch. Detroit is excellent at not striking out on the road with just 9.5 per game, ranking fifth in the AL. The Tigers allow 0.0 runs per game, but have improved upon those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 0.0 runs per game during that span.
Predictions: SU Winner – BAL
Notes
Detroit has won 43% (6-8) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Baltimore has won 67% (8-4) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Tigers managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Orioles who are heading in with a 10-4 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Tigers are 11-3. The Orioles have a 14-3 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 16th, Detroit sits in the bottom half of the league in runs, scoring 142 this season. Baltimore ranks in the top half at 12th with 148.
Ranking 23rd, Detroit is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 93 this season. Baltimore ranks in the bottom half at 17th with 99.
When the Orioles hit at least one home run, they are 16-6, well-matched with the Tigers who are 14-9 when hitting one or more homers.
