Detroit Tigers Break a Decade-Long Drought: AL Wild Card Showdown with Baltimore Orioles

After a long and arduous ten-year wait, the Detroit Tigers have finally clawed their way back into the postseason, finishing the regular season with an impressive 86-75 record. Their late-season surge, which saw them go 15-4 in the final stretch, has set the stage for a thrilling Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Orioles, who finished the season at 90-71. This best-of-three series will take place at Camden Yards, where the Orioles hold home-field advantage.

Series Price and Betting Odds

As the Wild Card series approaches, the odds reflect the competitive nature of this matchup. The Baltimore Orioles are favored at -174 to win the series, while the Detroit Tigers come in as underdogs at +146. The over/under for total games in the series is set at 2.5, with the under slightly favored at -114. This indicates that oddsmakers expect a tightly contested series, but they believe the Orioles have the upper hand.

Key Dates

• Game 1: Tuesday, October 1
• Game 2: Wednesday, October 2
• Game 3 (if necessary): Thursday, October 4

These games will be pivotal for both teams as they look to advance deeper into the playoffs. The Orioles, who have not won a playoff game since 2014, will be eager to shake off their postseason struggles, while the Tigers are looking to build on their recent momentum.

Projected Starting Pitchers

The starting pitchers for this series will play a crucial role in determining the outcome.

Game 1: Tarik Skubal vs. Corbin Burnes

The Tigers will send their ace, Tarik Skubal, to the mound in Game 1. Skubal has had a stellar season, boasting an 18-4 record with a 2.39 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP. His performance has made him a strong contender for the AL Cy Young award, and he will be looking to set the tone for the series.

On the other side, the Orioles will counter with Corbin Burnes, the 2021 NL Cy Young winner. Burnes has been a reliable force for Baltimore, finishing the season with a 15-9 record and a 2.92 ERA. His ability to dominate opposing lineups will be critical for the Orioles as they aim to secure a win at home.

Game 2: Reese Olson vs. Zach Eflin

In Game 2, the Tigers will likely turn to Reese Olson, a young pitcher who has shown promise despite a 4-8 record and a 3.53 ERA this season. This will be Olson’s first taste of postseason action, and how he handles the pressure will be key for Detroit.

The Orioles will hand the ball to Zach Eflin, who has experience in high-stakes situations, having pitched 10.2 innings with a 3.38 ERA during the Phillies’ run to the 2022 NL Pennant. Eflin’s experience could provide a significant advantage for Baltimore.

Game 3 (if necessary): Keider Montero vs. Dean Kremer

Should the series extend to a Game 3, the Tigers are expected to start Keider Montero, who has had a mixed season with a 6-6 record and a 4.81 ERA. The Orioles would likely respond with Dean Kremer, who finished the season with an 8-10 record and a 4.10 ERA. Both pitchers will need to step up in a win-or-go-home scenario.

Regular-Season Results: A Competitive Edge for Detroit

The Tigers and Orioles faced off six times in September, with Detroit taking four of those matchups. This late-season success against Baltimore, including two wins at Camden Yards, gives the Tigers a psychological edge heading into the playoffs. Notably, the Orioles managed to avoid facing Skubal during these encounters, which could play a significant role in the series dynamics.

Head-to-Head Breakdown

• September 22: Tigers 1, Orioles 0
• September 21: Orioles 4, Tigers 2
• September 20: Tigers 4, Orioles 2
• September 15: Orioles 7, Tigers 1
• September 14: Tigers 6, Orioles 4
• September 13: Tigers 4, Orioles 3

Corbin Burnes was instrumental in the Orioles’ two victories, pitching seven shutout innings in both games. However, the Tigers’ ability to win four out of six games against Baltimore, particularly during their hot streak, cannot be overlooked.

Series Prediction: Tigers to Advance

While the Orioles are favored due to their home-field advantage and overall stronger record, the odds may not fully reflect the Tigers’ current form. Detroit’s late-season surge and the presence of Tarik Skubal on the mound in Game 1 give them a fighting chance. Additionally, the Orioles’ recent playoff struggles could weigh heavily on their performance.

In a short series like this, momentum is crucial, and the Tigers are riding high after a strong finish to the regular season. With the potential for an upset, the prediction leans towards the Tigers advancing in this Wild Card matchup.

Final Thoughts

As the Tigers and Orioles prepare to clash in this exciting Wild Card series, fans can expect a thrilling showdown filled with high stakes and intense competition. With both teams eager to make their mark in the postseason, the stage is set for an unforgettable series.