Tigers Turn to Mize, Orioles Rely on Suarez for Series Finale
Detroit Tigers Aim for Wildcard Spot with Casey Mize, Orioles Turn to Albert Suarez
As the regular season winds down, the Detroit Tigers and Baltimore Orioles face off in a pivotal showdown at Camden Yards on Sunday afternoon. Both teams have their sights set on postseason opportunities, with the Tigers vying for the final AL Wildcard spot and the Orioles looking to solidify their place as the top wildcard team.
Tigers’ Playoff Aspirations Rest on Mize’s Shoulders
The Detroit Tigers (72-82) have made an impressive push for playoff contention, entering the last week of the season in the hunt for the American League Wildcard. Despite lacking standout offensive players, with the exception of ace Tarik Skubal, they find themselves in a tight race against the Twins and Royals. Their recent performance has been notable, especially after bouncing back to defeat the Orioles 6-4 in a thrilling 10-inning match on Saturday. Rookie Riley Greene stole the spotlight, going 3-for-3 with three runs scored, driving in the crucial go-ahead run.
Looking ahead to Sunday, the Tigers are expected to hand the ball to former #1 overall draft pick Casey Mize. Though he holds a 2-6 record with a 4.36 ERA, Mize has shown flashes of potential. In his last outing against the Royals, he pitched 4.1 innings, allowing just one run despite battling control issues with six walks. The Tigers may keep Mize on a short leash as they look to maintain momentum and secure a critical victory.
Orioles Seek Stability with Suarez
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Orioles (75-79) have seen their hopes of winning the AL East dissipate, currently trailing the Yankees by four games. However, they remain in a strong position for the wildcard, likely securing the #1 seed. After a solid 7-1 win in the series opener, the Orioles fell to the Tigers in a heartbreaking 10-inning loss. Although they tied the game late with a double from Gunnar Henderson, they couldn’t capitalize when it mattered.
For the series finale, the Orioles will turn to Albert Suarez, who has transitioned from reliever to starter this season. With an 8-6 record and a 3.60 ERA, Suarez has made 30 appearances and has logged 21 starts, with six quality outings under his belt. However, fatigue may be a factor; in his most recent start, he struggled against the Giants, lasting just 3.1 innings and surrendering four runs. As the Orioles prepare for a potential playoff run, they need Suarez to find his rhythm and provide a strong performance against a hungry Tigers lineup.
Conclusion: High Stakes at Camden Yards
As both teams gear up for this crucial matchup, all eyes will be on Mize and Suarez to see who can deliver under pressure. The Tigers are fighting to keep their postseason dreams alive, while the Orioles are aiming to stabilize their rotation for the playoffs. Fans can expect an intense battle at Camden Yards, where every play could shape the final stretch of the season.
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