Orioles celebrate 60th anniversary with return to the ALCS
For another year, the Detroit Tigers are sent home early after having one of the best records among all American League teams. Having a starting core of pitchers in the likes of Max Scherzer, David Price and Justin Verlander alone would make for a guaranteed spot in the ALCS; but their bullpen and closers have severely struggled this post-season. Detroit saw consistent hitting from Victor Martinez and J.D. Martinez, but their superstar Miguel Cabrera had a mediocre affair with only one RBI and Homer.
Although his on-base-percentage was the highest among all Tigers, he didn’t show up in clutch moments through spurts of the series. Baltimore was lucky enough to have Nelson Cruz on their team, who‘s become the un-official Tiger killer over recent years in his time with the Texas Ranges.
YOU’RE GOING TO THE FUCKING PENNANT LITTLE BUDDY!
After missing most of last year for a 50-game suspension to the league’s anti-drug policy for P.E. drugs; a motivated and fresh Cruz set the tone for the game tonight after drilling a two-run homer during the top of the 6th to quiet the entire Comerica Park. Bud Norris wasn’t afraid of Detroit’s Cy Young Award winners or their big bat line-up to out-dueled David Price – only giving up 2 hits through 6 innings. J.D. Martinez gave the Tigers one last shot with a deep double to right, with Victor Martinez scoring to bring them to within 1.
Detroit had J.D. on second with no outs, but Zach Britton managed to save the game with a 6-4-3 double play close out the series. Baltimore now heads back home to presumably plays the Kansas City Royals if they finish off the Los Angeles Angels. The team will have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with the best record remaining, and the American League’s all-star game victory over the summer.
Game 1 of the ALCS is this Friday in Baltimore.