The Baltimore Orioles (17-8) face a tough test against Eduardo Rodriguez at Comerica Park on Saturday when the impressive left-hander takes the mound for the Detroit Tigers (9-15) in a doubleheader.
The Orioles lead the series 1-0 after winning 7-4 on Thursday, their fifth straight head-to-head victory, including all four games this season. Bryan Baker got the win with 1.2 scoreless innings out of the bullpen, and Felix Bautista struck out the side in the ninth to pick up his sixth save.
Anthony Santander was 1 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs in the win. Eric Haase went 2 for 3 with one run and two RBIs for the Tigers. Kerry Carpenter added a double and one run.
ON THE MOUND
Dean Kremer (2-0, 6.20 ERA) is slated to start for Baltimore in the first game of the doubleheader. The righty allowed four runs over 5.2 innings in his last start, a 5-4 road win over the Red Sox on Monday. He was credited with the win, scattering seven hits while striking out five and walking one.
Left-hander Rodriguez (1-2, 2.32 ERA) gets the ball for Detroit. His only prior start against the Orioles this season was his last time out, when Rodriguez held opposing hitters scoreless over seven innings in a 2-1 road defeat on Sunday. He gave up one hit while striking out six in the no-decision.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Baltimore has averaged 5.2 runs a game, equal to their season average. Against lefties like Rodriguez this season, the O’s have a .793 OPS. Ryan Mountcastle has been the team’s most powerful hitter against left-handers with a .649 slugging percentage in 26 at-bats.
Detroit is averaging only 3.0 runs per game in the last five, consistent with their season average. The Tigers have a .603 OPS against right-handers in 2023, second lowest in MLB. With a .702 OPS over 66 at-bats, Carpenter has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Baltimore is on a four-game winning streak on the road, bringing their record to 8-4 in 2023. The O’s have scored 5.5 runs per game away from home, while allowing 4.3 runs.
Detroit has gone 4-5 at Comerica Park this season, averaging 3.8 runs per game while surrendering 5.3. Detroit is 6-4 in the last 10 games between the teams at Comerica Park with an average scoreline of 4.0-3.3.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Orioles are second in the AL East, three games behind the division-leading Rays. The Tigers are third in the AL Central, five games behind the Twins.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Baltimore Orioles (-110)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
