Thursday, October 2, 2014

Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

On Thursday night, American League wins leader Max Scherzer will be on the mound for the Detroit Tigers when they take on Chris Tillman and the Baltimore Orioles in Game 1 of the ALDS.

Max Scherzer didn't have quite the season that he did in 2013 this year, but he was still the obvious ace of Detroit's staff. In 33 starts, the right-hander was 18-5 with a 3.15 ERA and he was able to strike out 252 batters in 220.1 innings. He ended the season by going 3-0 in five September starts with a 2.48 ERA.

Scherzer didn't have a chance to face the Orioles during the regular season this year. Baltimore outfielder Adam Jones has nine hits in his 18 at-bats against Scherzer with two doubles, a home run and two doubles.

Chris Tillman continued to improve this season and finished the year as the clear ace of the Orioles' staff. He went 13-6 with a 3.34 ERA in 34 starts this year and he struck out 150 batters in 207.1 innings while only walking 66 hitters. He was 2-1 in five September starts with a 3.21 ERA.

Tillman faced the Tigers once this season and was able to pick up the win after giving up just one run in 8.1 innings of work. Like most pitchers in the league, Tillman does not like facing Miguel Cabrera, who is 4-for-13 against him in his career with a double, a home run and four RBI.

Detroit Tigers Betting Trends

Detroit Tigers are 83-72-7 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Detroit Tigers is 0.3

Baltimore Orioles Betting Trends

Baltimore Orioles are 69-89-4 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Baltimore Orioles is 0.7

Injuries to Watch

Detroit Tigers

09/29/14 CF Rajai Davis Abdominal "?" Thursday vs. Baltimore Orioles
09/02/14 P Drew VerHagen Back 60-day DL (7/15)
06/25/14 P Luke Putkonen Elbow 60-day DL (4/19)
05/02/14 P Joel Hanrahan Elbow 60-day DL (5/2)
03/28/14 LF Andy Dirks Back 60-day DL (3/29)
03/28/14 P Bruce Rondon Elbow 60-day DL (3/29), out for season
03/27/14 SS Jose Iglesias Stress Fracture 60-day DL (3/29); out for season

Baltimore Orioles

09/12/14 3B Chris Davis Suspension expected to miss 25 games
08/22/14 3B Manny Machado Knee 60-day DL (8/12); out for season
06/17/14 C Matt Wieters Elbow 60-day DL (5/11), out for season
06/03/14 P Johan Santana Shoulder 60-day DL (6/2), out for season
04/03/14 P Edgmer Escalo Shoulder 60-day DL (3/30)
03/31/14 LF Francisco Peguero Wrist 15-day DL (3/21)

Tony's Pick: Take Baltimore

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