Baltimore Orioles vs Detroit Tigers Picks and Predictions September 22nd 2024

The Baltimore Orioles will look to avoid a series sweep and get back on track as they face the Detroit Tigers in a crucial finale on Sunday. After a heartbreaking 6-4, 10-inning loss on Saturday, the Orioles (84-71) find themselves in the thick of the playoff race, but need to capitalize on their chances to secure a postseason berth.

Orioles Rally Falls Short in Extras

Saturday’s loss was a frustrating one for Baltimore, as they managed to rally for two runs in the bottom of the ninth to force extra innings. However, they couldn’t seal the deal, leaving runners stranded in scoring position with no outs in the ninth.

Baltimore’s offense struggled for much of the game, managing just five hits, with Gunnar Henderson and Anthony Santander providing key contributions. With the Orioles fighting to maintain their playoff standing, their offense will need to break out in Sunday’s game to avoid falling further behind in the race for the final American League wild-card spot.

Tigers Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

For the Detroit Tigers (81-74), Saturday’s victory was a statement win, keeping their slim playoff hopes alive. With five wins in their last six games, the Tigers are finding ways to win, showing resilience in extra innings once again. Javier Báez was the hero on Saturday, driving in the go-ahead runs in the 10th inning.

While the Tigers have yet to announce their starting pitcher for Sunday’s finale, they have leaned heavily on their bullpen in recent games and may opt for a bullpen day to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Albert Suarez Looks for Bounce-Back Performance

The Orioles will send right-hander Albert Suarez (8-6, 3.60 ERA) to the mound in a game with significant postseason implications. Suarez has struggled in September, posting a 7.24 ERA in three starts this month. In his last outing against the San Francisco Giants, Suarez gave up four runs in 3 1/3 innings in a 10-0 loss.

Despite his recent struggles, Suarez will be counted on to provide stability as Baltimore fights to secure a wild-card spot. A strong performance could help solidify his role in the rotation as the team prepares for the playoffs.

Keys to the Game

For the Orioles, converting scoring opportunities will be crucial. They’ve managed just five hits in each of the first two games of the series, leaving runners stranded in key moments. Henderson, Santander, and the rest of the lineup will need to step up and find ways to manufacture runs.

The Tigers, on the other hand, will look to build on their momentum. With Báez delivering clutch hits and the bullpen coming through in big spots, Detroit has shown they can grind out close games. A victory on Sunday would put them in an even stronger position as they chase down the second AL wild-card spot.

Players to Watch

• Albert Suarez: Can the Orioles’ right-hander rebound from a tough stretch and lead his team to victory in a critical game?
• Javier Báez: The Tigers’ star shortstop has been delivering in the clutch and will look to power his team to another win.
• Anthony Santander: Baltimore’s veteran slugger will be key in providing the offensive spark the Orioles need to stay competitive.

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Outlook

With both teams battling for playoff positioning, Sunday’s game will be a tense, high-stakes affair at Camden Yards. The Orioles are hoping to avoid a sweep and reassert themselves in the wild-card race, while the Tigers will look to keep their late-season surge alive.

A victory for either team could shape the direction of their playoff hopes