The Orioles are looking to sweep the Tigers today after wins in the first two games of this weekend series, but you've probably got to be a believer in the Reverse Lock Theory to feel good about the O's chances today.
The pitching matchup we'll be treated to features Chris Tillman for the Birds and Justin Verlander for Detroit. The former Rookie of the Year led the AL in strikeouts and innings pitched last season in placing 3rd in Cy Young voting. He's thrown 200+ innings in each of the last three years and barring injury or a disastrous close to the season is on pace for 200+ on this season, needing only 8.2 innings more. None of his numbers are going to be league-leading, but he's still been a good pitcher this year too. Verlander is another one of those guys who is undefeated against the Orioles, although his 4-0 mark isn't as ridiculous as some others we might name. Of Orioles with 10+ PA against him, only Luke Scott has anything close to respectable numbers. Luke hasn't really lived up to his Tiger-killing reputation in this series, so hopefully today he's due to break out.
Tillman hasn't pitched very well in the majors this year, which is probably why he spent a lot of time in the minors, memorably throwing the no-hitter for AAA Norfolk. He looked okay in his last start against Tampa Bay, where he gave up 3 ER in 5.1 IP, with all of the runs scoring as the result of home runs. The long ball has plagued Tillman for the whole of his brief big league career, with 20 home runs allowed in 95.1 innings thrown. In the minors he strikes out between 2 and 3 batters for every walk issued. In the majors this year he has an equal number of strikeouts and walks. Every time I look at Tillman's stats, they bum me out - but he is just 22 years old and there's no doubt he has a lot to learn to reach his potential. Hopefully today he can show us a bit more of that potential to help us get the sweep.
NFL season's starting up today and if you want to chat about game results or do some trash talk about today's games, you'll find your refuge in this thread. You could also check out the SBNation blog for your team of choice... but why would I make it easier for you to leave Camden Chat? Go O's!