Bless You Boys - Game 68: Orioles at TigersA detailed list of nope about the Detroit Tigershttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47585/default.png2013-06-17T23:18:14-04:00http://www.blessyouboys.com/rss/stream/42021112013-06-17T23:18:14-04:002013-06-17T23:18:14-04:00GIF: #Maxface strikes out Chris Davis, goes 10-0
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<figcaption>Leon Halip</figcaption>
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<p>Max Scherzer won his 10th game of the season tonight as the Tigers beat the Orioles 5-1.</p> <p><span>Max Scherzer</span> became the first <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a> pitcher in over a century to start the season 10-0 tonight, pitching six strong innings for the Tigers in their 5-1 victory over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.camdenchat.com/">Baltimore Orioles</a>. While he only allowed one run, he struggled at times, especially in the fifth inning.</p>
<p>With <span>Chris Davis</span> at the plate and the bases loaded, Scherzer watched as two consecutive fastballs on the outside portion of the plate were called balls by home plate umpire Tim Timmons. Nevertheless, Scherzer struck out Davis on the 3-2 pitch.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2878877/Max_strikeout_6-17-13.gif"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2878877/Max_strikeout_6-17-13.gif" class="photo" alt="Max_strikeout_6-17-13_medium"></a><br id="1373001435920"></p>
<p>Scherzer was understandably pumped up, and #Maxface was born.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2803841/Maxface_6-17-13.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Maxface_6-17-13_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2803841/Maxface_6-17-13.gif"></a><br id="1371525220748"></p>
<p>And since I don't have enough Twitter accounts already, I created <a href="https://twitter.com/tigersgifs" target="_blank">@TigersGIFs</a> for even more GIF fun. If you see anything GIF-worthy during the game, mention that account on Twitter and I'll GIF it that night.</p>
<p><i>h/t </i><a href="https://twitter.com/philcokesbrain" target="_blank">@philcokesbrain</a></p>
<h4>More Roars</h4>
<p>•<a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/6/17/4440374/tigers-5-orioles-1-detroit-baltimore-max-scherzer-ten-wins-undefeated-cabrera-davis-home-run-mlb?utm_source=blessyouboys&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=moreroars">Tigers 5, O’s 1: Max reaches 10-0</a> | <a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/6/17/4440418/gif-max-scherzer-maxface-10-wins?utm_source=blessyouboys&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=moreroars">GIF: #MaxFace</a></p>
<p>•<a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/6/17/4439224/keeping-score-austin-jackson-can-make-the-engine-roar?utm_source=blessyouboys&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=moreroars">Austin Jackson’s return revs the engine</a></p>
<p>•<a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/6/17/4439096/jim-leyland-rant-expletive?utm_source=blessyouboys&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=moreroars">Kurt: Maybe Leyland has a bleeping point</a></p>
<p>•<a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/6/17/4436910/detroit-tigers-links-the-maturation-of-rick-porcello-anibal-sanchezs?utm_source=blessyouboys&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=moreroars">Links: Porcello is improving</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/blessyouboys"><img alt="Byb-twitter-insert" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2329827/byb-twitter-insert.png"></a></p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/6/17/4440418/gif-max-scherzer-maxface-10-winsRob Rogacki2013-06-17T22:48:40-04:002013-06-17T22:48:40-04:00Tigers 5, Orioles 1: Scherzer remains undefeated
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<figcaption>Leon Halip</figcaption>
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<p><strong></strong>Max Scherzer and Drew Smyly were dominant in shutting down the Orioles. Miguel Cabrera supplied all the all the offense the Tigers would need with his 19th home run. </p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Detroit Tigers</a> rode the arms of <span>Max Scherzer</span> and <span>Drew Smyly</span> to a 5-1 win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.camdenchat.com/">Baltimore Orioles</a>. With the victory, Scherzer becomes the the first ten game winner in the American League.</p>
<p>Credited with the win thanks to six innings of seven hit, one run baseball, Scherzer now walks alone in Tigers' lore as the only pitcher to start a season 10-0. Drew Smyly pitched the final three innings for the Tigers, retiring all nine Orioles he faced. Starting and losing pitcher <span>Jake Arrieta</span> was rocked for ten hits and five runs over 4 2/3 innings.</p>
<p>The lone Orioles run came off the bat of slugging <span>Chris Davis</span>, thanks to his 24th home run of the season. The Tigers' 14 hit attack was led by <span>Miguel Cabrera</span> with three hits and two RBIs, including his 19th home run of the season. Austin Jackson chipped in with three hits, two runs and an RBI, while <span>Omar Infante</span> added four singles.</p>
<p>But Scherzer was the story of the night. He now leads the AL in victories, making team history in the process.</p>
<div class="read-more">
<b>Read More</b>: <a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/6/17/4439280/alex-avila-anibal-sanchez-disabled-list" target="new">Sanchez, Avila to DL</a> <a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/6/17/4437158/2013-game-68-preview-baltimore-orioles-at-detroit-tigers" target="new">Game 68 Preview: Orioles at Tigers</a> <a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/6/17/4439096/jim-leyland-rant-expletive" target="new">Leyland has a bleeping point</a>
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<p>With Jackson on first after a lead off single, Cabrera crushed the first pitcher he saw, Arrieta throwing a nothing slider. Flashing his mammoth opposite field power, Cabrera depositing his fly ball over the scoreboard in deep right center. The two run bomb was Cabrera's 19th homer of the season, and his third in four games versus the Orioles (<a target="_blank" href="http://t.co/bgERWyuT87">MLB.com video</a>).</p>
<p>The Tigers up 2-0, Davis said,<i> "I can hit the ball just as far."</i></p>
<p>Leading off the second, Davis drilled a bomb of his own, sending a Scherzer fastball over the scoreboard deep right center, landing just a couple rows short of Cabrera's home runb. The solo shot was number 24 on the season for Davis, and pulled the Orioles within a run at 2-1.</p>
<p>The Tigers' lead off man reached for the second consecutive inning. <span>Jhonny Peralta</span> doubling off the base of the wall in dead center to start the bottom of the second. One down, Infante slapped a single through the hole in the side, Peralta advancing to third. <span>Brayan Pena</span> couldn't drive in the run from third with less than two out, sending a can of corn to shallow center.</p>
<p>But Jackson came through with his second consecutive single, dropping a liner just in front of center fielder Adam Jones. The two out RBI pushed the Tigers' lead to 3-1.</p>
<p>The Orioles scratched together a threat in the top of the fourth, Davis and <span>Matt Wieters</span> with back-to-back singles. Scherzer was able to pitch out of the two on, one out jam. <span>J.J. Hardy</span> popped up and <span>Chris Dickerson</span> became Scherzer's fifth K victim. But the odds were Scherzer would not be pitching deep into the game, his pitch count at 71 after four innings.</p>
<p>Infante singled with two down in the bottom half of the fourth, then proceeded to steal second (Wieters' cleats stuck in the dirt, making for an entertainingly bad throw). But Pena bounced out to end the mini-threat, the Tigers lead holding steady at 3-1.</p>
<p>A not-quite-as-sharp Scherzer found himself in more trouble in the fifth, allowing the first two Orioles to reach base. <span>Ryan Flaherty</span> walked, <span>Nate McLouth</span> singled. After Scherzer struck out <span>Manny Machado</span> and <span>Nick Markakis</span>, Jones hit a ground ball back up the middle. Infante got to the ball, but didn't grab it cleanly, Jones credited with a single to lead the bases for the AL's leading home run hitter, Davis.</p>
<p>It was an epic mano-a-mano battle.</p>
<p>Bringing the heat, Scherzer found himself ahead in the count 1-2 on Davis. He then appeared to paint the black on two consecutive high-90s fastballs, Davis keeping the bat on his shoulder. Instead of the expected punch out, home plate umpire Tim Timmons didn't flinch, the count now full. The Comerica Park crowd rained down boos as it appeared Scherzer was getting squeezed (Pitch tracking disagreed, but damn, both pitches are often called strikes). After Davis fouled off a breaking ball, Scherzer reared back for another fastball, this one hitting 97 MPH on the gun. Davis swung ... and missed. Inning over, a visibly fired up Scherzer had struck out the side.</p>
<p>The Tigers counted by loading the bases in the next half inning. Jackson led off the bottom of the fifth with his third straight single, Hunter moving him to second with his first base hit of the game. Both runners moved forward 90 feet as Arrieta struck out Cabrera on what was ruled a wild pitch.</p>
<p>First base open, the Orioles elected to intentionally walk Prince fielder, loading the bases for Victor Martinez. Martinez came through with liner to deep center for a sacrifice fly, Jackson scoring, Hunter tagging up to take third. Peralta followed with a two out RBI single to right to plate Hunter.</p>
<p>The Tigers having taken a 5-1 advantage, Orioles manager Buck Showalter yanked his starter, Arrieta for left-hander Troy Patton. Patton would retire pinch hitter (the just recalled) <span>Avisail Garcia</span> on a ground ball to end the rally.</p>
<p>His pitch count at 97 to start the sixth, Scherzer took the mound for what was likely his final inning of the night. After allowing a one out single to Hardy, Scherzer stuck out both Dickerson and Flaherty to the inning. Scherzer wrapped up another quality start with ten strikeouts, scattering seven hits while allowing just one run.</p>
<p>Infante led off the bottom of the sixth with his third single of the night. Of course, Jim Leyland ordered Brayan Pena to sacrifice bunt. Of course, Pena couldn't do it. Of course, he bunted into a 2-6-3 double play. Of course, the fan base lost their minds.</p>
<p>Pena's bunt was straight down, bouncing high off the plate. As Pena just stood there, Wieters grabbed the ball and fired to second to start a ridiculous twin killing.</p>
<p>Two lessons were to be learned on the play. Always run out batted balls and STOP BUNTING. I'm guessing only one will take.</p>
<p>But the failure to execute wasn't going to make a difference tonight. Five runs would be more than enough. Why? The Tigers' pitching was that damn good.</p>
<p>Scherzer had received Leyland's "Handshake of doom" after six, Smyly taking over in the seventh. Ten pitches and three ground balls later, the Orioles had been retired.</p>
<p>It was more of the same in the eighth from a lights out Smyly. He again retired the Orioles in order, including strikeouts of Wieters and Davis.</p>
<p>With Smyly on a roll, Leyland goes old school and elects to have him pitch the ninth as well. Three up, three down, GAME OVER. Scherzer and Smyly ended the game by combing to retire the last 11 Orioles in order, and 12-of-13 over the last four innings.</p>
<p>The Tigers are now a season high ten games over .500 at 39-29. Their division lead grows to five games thanks to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.royalsreview.com/">Kansas City Royals</a> knocking off the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Cleveland Indians</a> 2-1. The Royals have won eight of ten, moving into second place in the Central at 34-34. For what it's worth, the Tigers are 7-3 over the same stretch.</p>
<p>In game two of the series, the Orioles will start left-hander <span>Zach Britton</span> (0-1, 9.00 ERA) instead of ailing right-hander Jason Hammel. Britton has made one start this season, allowing ten hits and six runs over six innings in a loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lookoutlanding.com/">Mariners</a>. The Tigers counter the Orioles Triple-A pitcher with an ace, <span>Justin Verlander</span> (8-4, 3.41 ERA). Bouncing back from a rough patch, Verlander is 4-0 in his last five starts (a blown save away from five straight wins). First pitch is 7:08 PM.</p>
<p><b>WIN PROBABILITY GRAPH:</b></p>
<p>For the second game in a row, the graph never enters opposition territory.</p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.fangraphs.com/graphframe.aspx?config=0&static=0&type=livewins&num=0&h=450&w=450&date=2013-06-17&team=Tigers&dh=0" style="border:1px solid black;" frameborder="0" height="450" scrolling="no" width="450"></iframe><br><span style="font-size:9pt;">Source: <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/livewins.aspx?date=2013-06-17&team=Tigers&dh=0&season=2013">FanGraphs</a></span></p>
<p><b>BULLETS:</b></p>
<p>With the victory Scherzer become the first ten game winner in the AL, and the first Tigers starting pitcher (records only go back to 1909) to start a season 10-0. Scherzer and Vern Kennedy in 1939 were the only pitchers to start a season 9-0. Amazingly, after recording his ninth win on June 5, Kennedy was 3-9 over the remainder of 1939.</p>
<p>Scherzer also had a strikeout milestone on the line tonight.</p>
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<p>Max Scherzer: 13 straight starts of 6 K to begin season. If he reaches 14, he'd be 1st AL pitcher since <span>Pedro Martinez</span> in 2001. h/t Elias</p>
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo/statuses/346757961886085120">June 17, 2013</a>
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<p>Make it 14 straight starts with at least six K, Scherzer finished with ten. It was his ninth game since the since the start of 2012, and fifth this season, with 10+ punch outs.</p>
<p>Good to see Tigers fans showing appreciation for <span>Torii Hunter's</span> career, considering how much damage he did as a Minnesota Twin.</p>
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<p>Standing ovation for Torii Hunter between innings at Comerica Park after scoreboard shows video of his 1st and 300th home runs.</p>
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) <a href="https://twitter.com/beckjason/statuses/346768547281788928">June 17, 2013</a>
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<p>Miguel Cabrera had been slumping in June, hitting .261/.452/.413 with two home runs and eight RBIs. Well, slumping if your name is Miguel Cabrera, anyway. The vast majority of major leaguers would be thrilled with an OPS of .865 for the month. To put the "slump" in perspective, Jhonny Peralta leads all AL shortstops with an .867 OPS.</p>
<p>So much for the slump, Cabrera had three hits, including a home run and legging out an infield single in the third.</p>
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<p>Infield single for Miggy. Somewhere, a sabermetrician fainted.</p>
— Matthew B. Mowery (@matthewbmowery) <a href="https://twitter.com/matthewbmowery/statuses/346779531706769408">June 18, 2013</a>
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<p>That single was Cabrera's fifth infield hit this season -- tied with Brayan Pena for 4th-most on the club. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tigers&src=hash">#tigers</a></p>
— Rick Thompson (@Thompson_Tigers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Thompson_Tigers/statuses/346780316666589184">June 18, 2013</a>
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<p>An infield single! What can't Cabrera do?</p>
— Bless You Boys (@blessyouboys) <a href="https://twitter.com/blessyouboys/statuses/346779653098332160">June 18, 2013</a>
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<p>And if you really want to commemorate Cabrera's infield hit, you can buy the baseball!</p>
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<p>Check out Miggys infield single. Stop by authentics if you are interested. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tigers&src=hash">#tigers</a>. <a href="http://t.co/KhjsTPrHcw">pic.twitter.com/KhjsTPrHcw</a></p>
— Tigers Authentics (@DETAuthentics) <a href="https://twitter.com/DETAuthentics/statuses/346781271525036033">June 18, 2013</a>
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<p>Phil Coke's Brain has your Rod Allen quote of the game:</p>
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<p>"Prince couldn't climb the ladder and get it." Prince shouldn't be doing a lot of ladder climbing anyway.</p>
— Eric Wayne (@PhilCokesBrain) <a href="https://twitter.com/PhilCokesBrain/statuses/346780859728265217">June 18, 2013</a>
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<p>Fox Sports Detroit just debuted the "Oh My God, who had to climb up there to install that?" camera.</p>
— Dave Hogg (@Stareagle) <a href="https://twitter.com/Stareagle/statuses/346784637651124224">June 18, 2013</a>
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<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2803503/comerica.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Comerica_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2803503/comerica_medium.png"></a> <br id="1371515168470"></p>
<p>Sure that isn't the top row nose bleed seats?</p>
<p>Meanwhile, in the Upper Peninsula:</p>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/Detroit4lyfeRob">@Detroit4lyfeRob</a> I fell asleep for an inning. Shhh, don't tell</p>
— Bless You Boys (@blessyouboys) <a href="https://twitter.com/blessyouboys/statuses/346793360557748227">June 18, 2013</a>
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<p>The Tigers butchering another sacrifice bunt sent Tigers fans over the edge.</p>
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<p>32,525 people just yelled "RUN!" at Brayan Pena. Sadly, he did not hear them.</p>
— Dave Hogg (@Stareagle) <a href="https://twitter.com/Stareagle/statuses/346797351672877058">June 18, 2013</a>
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<p>NEVER BUNT AGAIN</p>
— Grey (@spacemnkymafia) <a href="https://twitter.com/spacemnkymafia/statuses/346797234307866624">June 18, 2013</a>
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<p>NOBODY KNOWS HOW TO SACRIFICE ON THIS TEAM. SO STOP GOD DAMN DOING IT</p>
— Bryan Craves (@DisplacedTgrFan) <a href="https://twitter.com/DisplacedTgrFan/statuses/346797230470082560">June 18, 2013</a>
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<p>Bunts are bad, mmmkay</p>
— Bless You Boys (@blessyouboys) <a href="https://twitter.com/blessyouboys/statuses/346797170432831488">June 18, 2013</a>
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<p>Yes. Bunts are BAD. <i>BADBADBADBADAAAAAAARRFGSDYdsr5ewi0u6o2<b>4[3w9pu%$#$#%^&#$^Ye!@!!</b></i></p>
<p>With the rant out of the way, I'd like to personally thank Max Scherzer and Drew Smyly for making the failed bunt moot.</p>
<p>Post game, Jim Leyland made an unusual plea to the media:</p>
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<p>"I hope everybody quits going up to <span>Rick Porcello</span> and asking him about being the closer. He's NOT going to be the closer. He is not a closer. There's no sense going to Rick and asking about it. It's just not necessary."</p>
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<p>The media is asking Porcello about becoming the closer? HUH? That's news to to us at BYB. But it could be a back-handed shot at the silliness that is Detroit sports talk radio. Porcello as closer (or pick any starter, I've even heard Justin Verlander mentioned) is a suggestion often made by the "brilliant" callers on WXYT.</p>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/blessyouboys">@blessyouboys</a> who would do that? That would be stupid.</p>
— Eric Wayne (@PhilCokesBrain) <a href="https://twitter.com/PhilCokesBrain/statuses/346815155146989568">June 18, 2013</a>
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<p>Leyland says he wants no more questions about Rick Porcello becoming the closer. Which begs the question: Porcello for setup man?</p>
— Matt Sussman (@suss2hyphens) <a href="https://twitter.com/suss2hyphens/statuses/346823050479677443">June 18, 2013</a>
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<p><b>THREE ROARS:</b></p>
<p><b>Max Scherzer:</b> As mentioned above, reached a couple of milestones with tonight's victory. But Mad Max winning the two out, bases loaded matchup with Chris Davis was worth the price of admission alone.</p>
<p><b>Drew Smyly:</b> Was unhittable in his three innings. Retired all nine Orioles he faced.</p>
<p><b>Miguel Cabrera: </b>what slump? Three hits, two RBI and a massive home run.</p>
<p><b>BONUS ROARS:</b></p>
<p><b>Austin Jackson: </b> Three hits, a run scored and an RBI. Jackson is only hitting .438 in four games since coming off the DL. The Tigers are 3-1 since their trigger man returned.</p>
<p><b>Omar Infante: </b>Go 4-for-4, you get a ROAR.</p>
<p><b>THREE HISSES:</b></p>
<p><b>Jim Leyland:</b> Ask a catcher who can't bunt to bunt, get a HISS. I think Leyland calls bunts just to troll the Tigers fan base.</p>
<p><b><span>Andy Dirks</span>: </b>In a rough patch, 0-for-2 night has Dirks hitless in his last three games, and two for the last five.</p>
<p><b>Brayan Pena: <i>RUN!!!!</i></b></p>
<p><b>ROLL CALL:</b></p>
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<td width="150">Total comments</td>
<td>956</td>
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<td>Total commenters</td>
<td>35</td>
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<td>Commenter list</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Alex%20Baker">Alex Baker</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BadCompany22">BadCompany22</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BigAl">BigAl</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Cabbylander">Cabbylander</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DJ%20Screw">DJ Screw</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DetroitSports">DetroitSports</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Flyman">Flyman</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Grzesio">Grzesio</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/H2OPoloPunk">H2OPoloPunk</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/J_the_Man">J_the_Man</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Jacob30">Jacob30</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Joaquin%20on%20Sunshine">Joaquin on Sunshine</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Keith-Allen">Keith-Allen</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/MSUDersh">MSUDersh</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Matthew%20Malek">Matthew Malek</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/MotorCityCat">MotorCityCat</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/NCDee">NCDee</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/RewertsSpartan">RewertsSpartan</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Rob%20Rogacki">Rob Rogacki</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SAchris">SAchris</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SanDiegoMick">SanDiegoMick</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Scarsdale_Vibe">Scarsdale_Vibe</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SpartanHT">SpartanHT</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/There%20Can%20Only%20Be%20One%20Verlander">There Can Only Be One Verlander</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Tigerdog1">Tigerdog1</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Trout%20Jefferson">Trout Jefferson</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Verlanderful">Verlanderful</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Wolfgang97">Wolfgang97</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/balancez">balancez</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/dishnet34">dishnet34</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/johnmoz">johnmoz</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/knucklescarbone">knucklescarbone</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/rbbaker">rbbaker</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/stevenyc">stevenyc</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/texastigerfan">texastigerfan</a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Story URLs</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/6/17/4437820/game-68-orioles-at-tigers-7-08-p-m">http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/6/17/4437820/game-68-orioles-at-tigers-7-08-p-m</a><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/6/17/4440174/game-68-overflow-orioles-at-tigers/in/4202111">http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/6/17/4440174/game-68-overflow-orioles-at-tigers/in/4202111</a>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><b>TOP TEN COMMENTERS:</b></p>
<table>
<thead><tr>
<th>#</th> <th>Commenter</th> <th># Comments</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BadCompany22">BadCompany22</a></td>
<td>99</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/MSUDersh">MSUDersh</a></td>
<td>95</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/texastigerfan">texastigerfan</a></td>
<td>86</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Joaquin%20on%20Sunshine">Joaquin on Sunshine</a></td>
<td>79</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SpartanHT">SpartanHT</a></td>
<td>76</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Alex%20Baker">Alex Baker</a></td>
<td>66</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SanDiegoMick">SanDiegoMick</a></td>
<td>61</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DetroitSports">DetroitSports</a></td>
<td>55</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Rob%20Rogacki">Rob Rogacki</a></td>
<td>49</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/NCDee">NCDee</a></td>
<td>47</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><b>TOP RECS:</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<table>
<thead><tr>
<th># Recs</th> <th>Commenter</th> <th>Comment Link</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Tigerdog1">Tigerdog1</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/6/17/4440174/game-68-overflow-orioles-at-tigers/in/4202111#168380029">Joaquin on the mound</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Rob%20Rogacki">Rob Rogacki</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/6/17/4437820/game-68-orioles-at-tigers-7-08-p-m#168354039">Hmm, it sounds like...</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SpartanHT">SpartanHT</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/6/17/4440174/game-68-overflow-orioles-at-tigers/in/4202111#168384153">YAY</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/NCDee">NCDee</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/6/17/4440174/game-68-overflow-orioles-at-tigers/in/4202111#168383851">All smyles!</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/6/16/4435784/tigers-5-twins-2-detroit-minnesota-doug-fister-no-hiter-brian-dozier-torii-hunter-300-home-runs">GAME 67 PLAYER OF THE GAME:</a></b></p>
<p><span>Doug Fister</span> tossed five no-hit innings, ultimately allowing two hits and two runs, striking out seven over 7 2/3 innings, taking the PotG vote at 53%.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4>More Roars</h4>
<p>•<a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/6/17/4440374/tigers-5-orioles-1-detroit-baltimore-max-scherzer-ten-wins-undefeated-cabrera-davis-home-run-mlb?utm_source=blessyouboys&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=moreroars">Tigers 5, O’s 1: Max reaches 10-0</a> | <a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/6/17/4440418/gif-max-scherzer-maxface-10-wins?utm_source=blessyouboys&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=moreroars">GIF: #MaxFace</a></p>
<p>•<a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/6/17/4439224/keeping-score-austin-jackson-can-make-the-engine-roar?utm_source=blessyouboys&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=moreroars">Austin Jackson’s return revs the engine</a></p>
<p>•<a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/6/17/4439096/jim-leyland-rant-expletive?utm_source=blessyouboys&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=moreroars">Kurt: Maybe Leyland has a bleeping point</a></p>
<p>•<a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/6/17/4436910/detroit-tigers-links-the-maturation-of-rick-porcello-anibal-sanchezs?utm_source=blessyouboys&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=moreroars">Links: Porcello is improving</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/blessyouboys"><img alt="Byb-twitter-insert" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2329827/byb-twitter-insert.png"></a></p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/6/17/4440374/tigers-5-orioles-1-detroit-baltimore-max-scherzer-ten-wins-undefeated-cabrera-davis-home-run-mlbAl Beaton2013-06-17T21:27:18-04:002013-06-17T21:27:18-04:00Game 68 Overflow: Orioles at Tigers
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fQrh0rAi5iUdArke0kloCS_19mQ=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47827729/large_blessyouboys.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Stuff that happened:</p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a> scored five runs, two of which came off the bat of <span>Miguel Cabrera</span> on a towering home run in the bottom of the first inning.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;"><span>Chris Davis</span> supplied Baltimore's offense in the top of the second with a solo home run.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;"><span>Max Scherzer</span> pitched six innings, striking out 10 batters.</span></li>
</ul>
<p>Thread stuff that happened:</p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">A discussion on the greatness of Old Bay</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Inning's over, crap</span></li>
</ul>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/6/17/4440174/game-68-overflow-orioles-at-tigersRob Rogacki2013-06-17T16:27:08-04:002013-06-17T16:27:08-04:00Sanchez, Avila to DL
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/b6FjeUHgShKIcaafFWCWxa99I6Y=/0x143:4000x2810/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/14941827/170704077.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Hannah Foslien</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Fox Sports analyst Rod Allen doesn't normally break news, but he apparently did today</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a> starter <span>Anibal Sanchez</span> and catcher <span>Alex Avila</span> have reportedly been added to the disabled list Monday. Fox Sports analyst <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/RodAllen12/status/346715317982097409">Rod Allen broke the news </a>initially, but it has since been confirmed by other reporters on the scene. Left-handed pitcher <span>Jose Alvarez</span> will be recalled Thursday to get the start. Until then, outfielder <span>Avisail Garcia</span> and catcher <span>Bryan Holaday</span> are the corresponding promotions.</p>
<p>Avila's injury is described as a "deep contusion on left arm" by <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/Thompson_Tigers/status/346721984530501632">Tigers media relations manager Rick Thompson</a>. Avila was hit by a pitch in the ninth inning Sunday and exited the game. X-rays taken during the game were negative.</p>
<p>Sanchez's injury was described as a "right shoulder strain" <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/Thompson_Tigers/status/346722146669699073">by Thompson</a>. Sanchez came out in the fourth inning Saturday after walking four batters. It was his second-shortest start of the year. He also tied a season-high for walks with four. Sanchez missed his prior start with a tired shoulder as well.</p>
<p>Sanchez will only miss two starts, and Avila is expected to return from the disabled list when he's eligible in 15 days, <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/jamesschmehl/status/346722706034667521">MLive's James Schmehl reports.</a></p>
<p>Holaday is batting .259/.319/.386 in 186 plate appearances with Triple-A Toledo. He appeared in six games last season, hitting .250 with .333 slugging.</p>
<p>The Tigers host the Orioles at 7:08 p.m. tonight.</p>
<h4>More Roars</h4>
<p>•<a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/6/17/4439096/jim-leyland-rant-expletive?utm_source=blessyouboys&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=moreroars">Kurt: Maybe Leyland has a bleeping point</a></p>
<p>•<a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/6/17/4436910/detroit-tigers-links-the-maturation-of-rick-porcello-anibal-sanchezs?utm_source=blessyouboys&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=moreroars">Links: Porcello is improving</a></p>
<p>•<a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/6/17/4437576/Miguel-Cabrera-Triple-Crown-Two-Years?utm_source=blessyouboys&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=moreroars">Miguel Cabrera and the 2-year Triple Crown</a></p>
<p>•<a hrefhttp:>Week 11 reviewed</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/blessyouboys"><img alt="Byb-twitter-insert" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2329827/byb-twitter-insert.png"></a></p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/6/17/4439280/alex-avila-anibal-sanchez-disabled-listKurt Mensching2013-06-17T10:49:07-04:002013-06-17T10:49:07-04:00Game 68 Preview: Orioles at Tigers
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aOovhky4L4w9IpaPBwkAL9BtQvQ=/0x245:2775x2095/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/14901913/20130415_mje_aa3_539.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Jake Arrieta will make a spot start for the Orioles while Max Scherzer tries to get the win he deserved last time he faced Baltimore as the O's and Tigers start a three game series at Comerica Park.</p> <h4>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.camdenchat.com/">Baltimore Orioles</a> (40-30) at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Detroit Tigers</a> (38-29)</h4>
<p><b>Time/Place:</b> 7:08 p.m., Comerica Park</p>
<p><b>SB Nation blog:</b> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.camdenchat.com">Camden Chat</a></p>
<p><b>Media:</b> Fox Sports Detroit, <a target="_blank" href="http://mlb.mlb.com/mediacenter/index.jsp?c_id=mlb&affiliateId=mlbMENU#date=6/17/2013">MLB.TV</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/det/schedule/radioaffiliates.jsp">Tigers Radio Network</a></p>
<p><b>Pitching Matchup:</b> RHP <span>Jake Arrieta</span> (1-1, 6.63 ERA) vs. RHP <span>Max Scherzer</span> (9-0, 3.19 ERA)</p>
<p><span>Jason Hammel</span> was originally scheduled to start tonight for the Orioles, but <a target="_blank" href="http://www.camdenchat.com/2013/6/16/4436226/baltimore-orioles-news-starting-rotation-jake-arrieta-jason-hammel-kevin-gausman">he has been pushed back</a> due to illness. He may or may not start tomorrow night, but in his place tonight is right-hander Jake Arrieta. Arrieta started the season in the Orioles' rotation, but after allowing 14 earned runs in his first 19 innings, he was optioned to Triple-A. When optioned, he <a target="_blank" href="http://www.camdenchat.com/2013/5/7/4306472/baltimore-orioles-mental-health-jake-arrieta">opened up about some anxiety issues</a> that he has been having on the mound. Unfortunately for him, a trip back to the minors doesn't seemed to have helped much. In seven appearances (six starts) for Triple-A Norfolk, he is 3-3 with a 5.50 ERA and 3.84 FIP.</p>
<p>Arrieta struggled mightily with his command when pitching for the O's in April, walking 16 batters in just 19 innings. He seems to have gotten this under control in the minors, lowering his walk rate to 2.50 batters per nine innings. The command issues are nothing new for him, though. He has walked four batters per nine innings during his major league career. Last season's rate of 2.75 batters per nine innings was a career low at any professional level, but it didn't stop him from posting a 6.20 ERA and 4.05 FIP in 114 2/3 innings.</p>
<p>He relies primarily on a four-seamer/two-seamer mix, using his fastball roughly 60% of the time throughout his career. He was using his fastballs -- the two-seamer, in particular -- more often early this season, but that is probably due to him falling behind hitters so frequently. He throws a slider to righties and a changeup to lefties, the latter of which is consistently one of his worst pitches according to PitchFX's pitch values. His changeup has been -10.5 runs below average since the start of 2010, and is probably a reason why lefties have hit .284/.370/.494 against him during his career. He also throws a curveball that he likes to use when ahead in the count, but will also use at the start of an at-bat to keep hitters off balance.</p>
<p>Stop me if you've heard this one before: Max Scherzer was dominant in his last start. We're starting to get very spoiled with Max, but here's an indication of how good he has been in 2013: he hasn't allowed more than five hits in a start since April 29th, and hasn't allowed more than seven hits in a start this season. In fact, you have to go back to May 15th to find a start where he allowed five hits. In the five starts since that day -- the Tigers' lone loss to the <a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Astros</a> this season, if you're curious -- Max is 4-0 with a 2.00 ERA and 2.51 FIP. He has nearly twice as many strikeouts (106) as hits allowed (57) this season, and his 0.87 WHIP leads the majors among starting pitchers.</p>
<p><b>Properly introducing the 2013 Orioles</b></p>
<p>Since I was in Peru when the Tigers and Orioles faced off earlier this year, here's a quick primer on what the O's have done in 2013 thus far. They currently sit second in the AL East, just 1 1/2 games behind the <a href="https://www.overthemonster.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Boston Red Sox</a> after taking three of four from the Sox at Camden Yards last weekend. You already know about what <span>Chris Davis</span> is doing at the plate this season, and I've got bad news: he's heating up again. After struggling for a brief period -- which included the last time these two teams faced off, minus that awful hanging changeup from <span>Rick Porcello</span> -- Davis is hitting .348/.441/.826 with three homers in his last six games. <span>Adam Jones</span> has quietly put together another All-Star worthy campaign, hitting .303/.327/.517 with 14 home runs.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/3/27/4150566/2013-opponent-preview-baltimore-orioles-2012-bullpen-record">In my Orioles preview</a> before the season, I said that this might be a rough year at the plate for <span>Manny Machado</span>. I could not have been more wrong. Machado has permanently wedged himself into the "best young player in baseball" debate by hitting .327/.358/.495 with 32 doubles so far this season. He's on pace to break Earl Webb's single season record of 67 doubles, and he doesn't even turn 21 until July 6th. If the Tigers didn't already have a pretty special third baseman themselves, it would be very easy to become envious of the young star. Machado's glove is miles better than <span>Miguel Cabrera's</span> though, as he has already been worth +16 defensive runs saved this season.</p>
<p>The O's are heavily reliant on the home run ball, hitting a major league leading 92 dingers in 70 games this season. They are second in the AL in runs scored with 341, but have played three more games than the Tigers, who are third with 336. Their pitching has been suspect, allowing 325 runs on the season, which is tied for second most in the AL behind the Astros. We saw 2012 first round pick <span>Kevin Gausman</span> during the last series, but he was sent down to the minors as part of some roster shuffling to rest a depleted bullpen late last week. Their bullpen has been much better over the past couple weeks, but they will need more innings from the starters as the season goes on.</p>
<p><b>Outlook</b></p>
<p>Scherzer dominated the O's in his last start, allowing three runs on three hits and two walks in eight innings while striking out 10 batters. I'm a little fuzzy on what happened after that, but I'm fairly certain it involved pain, suffering, and a potato famine of some sort, so we won't go into specifics. Meanwhile, Arrieta hasn't faced the Tigers since April 5th, 2011 when he held the Tigers to one run in six innings. Given his command issues and the Tigers' winning ways at Comerica Park, I'm not sure he'll be able to repeat that performance.</p>
<p><b>Prediction</b></p>
<p>The O's knock out Max earlier than last time they faced off, but the Tigers offense carries them to a win.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/6/17/4437158/2013-game-68-preview-baltimore-orioles-at-detroit-tigersRob Rogacki