Bless You Boys - ALDS Game 3: Orioles 2, Tigers 1A detailed list of nope about the Detroit Tigershttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47585/default.png2014-10-05T21:22:09-04:00http://www.blessyouboys.com/rss/stream/66777862014-10-05T21:22:09-04:002014-10-05T21:22:09-04:00Orioles 2, Tigers 1: End of the line
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lLsFD1h-8pbZnnmZrH6rUwUm3O4=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/40989420/456705012.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Leon Halip</figcaption>
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<p>David Price was outstanding but the offense couldn't come through. The Tigers were swept out of the ALDS by the Orioles, along with their hopes of a 2014 World Series Championship.</p> <p>DETROIT — Favored by many before the season and into the postseason to win the World Series, 2014 was not supposed to end with the Tigers being swept out of the ALDS by the Orioles. David Price gave the Tigers exactly what they needed, but it was not enough as the Tigers offense fell quiet until it was too late. The Tigers lost 2–1 to the Orioles, ending their hopes of a 2014 World Series title on a cold night in front of a sold-out crowd at Comerica Park.</p>
<p>Price (L, 0–1) was locked in. Only once did he waiver, when his catcher, Alex Avila was taken out of the game after taking a foul-tip to the mask. He gave up a single and a home run that ended up being the difference in the game, the series, and the year.</p>
<p>Price's final line read eight innings, five hits, two runs, two walks, six strikeouts and a hit batter on 112 pitches. Price was what the Tigers needed on the mound after the events of the last two games, but the offense was unable to return the favor.</p>
<p>"It's disappointing. You feel like you let the fans down and you feel like you let the organization down," Ausmus said. "You feel like you let the Ilitchs' down. So it's disappointing, no question. But there is nothing we can do about it now."</p>
<p>The Tigers couldn't buy a hit if they tried. With the exception of a double by Alex Avila in the second — that was gifted by the ongoing adventures of Delmon Young in left field — and a single by Don Kelly in the third, the Tigers had nothing until the ninth inning. They were struck out six times, drawing just two hits with a stolen base, also by Kelly.</p>
<p>Back-to-back doubles by Victor Martinez and J.D. Martinez got the Tigers started in the ninth inning, the latter hit plating Victor from second base. However, a season-ending double play ended it all. The Tigers had just four hits in the game, drawing two walks to go along with the stolen base. They were 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position and no one batter had more than one hit.</p>
<p>Tigers fans watched as Victor Martinez and Torii Hunter took their final at-bats of the season in the eighth and ninth innings, and possible in a Tigers uniform for good. After the game Hunter said he has been seriously considering retirement, but would need to discuss it further before making a final decision on another year.</p>
<p>"It just comes down to who's playing the best baseball," Justin Verlander said. "You live and die on whether you win or not. And we didn't."</p>
<p><!-- ######## START MUSTREADS SNIPPET ######## --><link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3603867/mustreads-compact-only.css"><div class="must-reads-compact-only-container"><h4><span class="must-reads-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png" /></span> ALDS Game 3 <span class="must-reads-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png" /></span></h4><div class="must-reads-compact-link-container"><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/10/5/6916177/torii-hunter-considering-retirement--18-seasons">Torii Hunter considering retirement<span class="must-reads-compact-byline"></span></a></div></div><!-- ######## END MUSTREADS SNIPPET ######## --></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>ROARS:</strong></p>
<p><b>David Price: </b>Did more than his fair share, holding the Orioles within reach of the Tigers offense. He went eight strong innings of two-run ball, giving up just five hits and two walks while striking out six on 112 pitches. He took the loss but the fault was due to the inability of the Tigers to get a hit to save their season, literally.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><b>Victor Martinez: </b>In the ninth inning with three outs to go, Martinez gave the Tigers a chance when he hit a leadoff double, bringing a silent crowd roaring to life. He finished 1-for-4 but it was a fitting way for Martinez to finish the season, and possibly his time with the Tigers.</p>
<p><b>J.D. Martinez: </b>Since being called up, the younger Martinez has been a gift for the Tigers and he did his best to give the Tigers another memorable moment. A double up the right field gap missed a game-tying home run by feet, instead scoring his counterpart on second base to cut the deficit to 2–1.</p>
<p><b>Don Kelly: </b>Single-handedly tried to be the Tigers' offense, by hitting a leadoff single in the third and stealing second base. He also struck out in the fifth inning but was saved by a wild pitch and reached first base, politely, after likely thanking the pitcher.</p>
<p><b>Joe Nathan: </b>He sure picked a dandy time to do it, but Nathan was light's out for the Tigers in the ninth inning. Nathan gave the Tigers a dominant 1-2-3 inning, striking out Nick Hundley to end the ninth and needing just 10 pitches, eight of which were strikes.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>HISSES:</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><b>Tigers offense: </b>David Price did his job. The Tigers didn't get so much as a squeak out of their offense. Through eight innings the Tigers had all of two hits, a double from Avila, and a single from Kelly. Not until the ninth inning on back-to-back doubles by the Martinez's did the Tigers show any signs of life. By then it was too late and a season-ending double play closed the book on the 2014 Tigers.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>NOTES::</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p>In the second inning Ausmus challenged the call that Romine was out at first base, ending the inning. After a 2:28 review, the call stood and Romine was out with a runner stranded at third base. Had the call been overturned Avila would have scored and the Tigers would have had an early 1–0 lead. With the luck the Tigers have had in this series, however, it was not meant to be. (<a href="http://m.mlb.com/det/video/?content_id=36756049&topic_id=70610272&c_id=det" target="_blank">MLB.com video</a>)</p>
<p>In the third inning Don Kelly hit a leadoff single and stole second base soon after. A hit by Torii Hunter went straight to the Orioles shortstop and Kelly, who was too far off the second base bag, was picked off when he tried to get back to second base. However, the second baseman was in the way of Kelly (and he also bobbled the ball after catching it) and his ability to get back to the base, making it impossible for Kelly to get back to the bag. Ausmus came out, asking for the umpires to discuss whether obstruction should have been called. The umpires would not oblige and as a result, the Tigers lost a baserunner and an out, and it cost them a run, and ultimately the season.</p>
<p>Alex Avila left the game in the sixth inning after being <a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/10/5/6915363/alex-avila-leaves-alds-game-3-after-taking-foul-tip-to-mask" target="_blank">struck in the mask by a foul tip</a>, which caused him to fall back. With Avila's previous concussion issues this season, the Tigers weren't taking any chances and Avila was replaced by backup catcher, Bryan Holaday. After the game Avila confirmed he was diagnosed with a concussion.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>STREAKS AND STATS:</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<ul>
<li><span>Victor Martinez struck out three times in April and three times in September, but four times in nine at-bats this postseason. He struck out just 42 times in 561 at-bats during the regular season.</span></li>
<li><span>Victor Martinez extended his postseason hitting streak to eight games, tied for the second-longest in franchise history.</span></li>
<li>Sunday's attendance was 43,013, the 28th sellout of the year for the Tigers.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>WIN PROBABILITY GRAPH:</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.fangraphs.com/graphframe.aspx?config=0&static=0&type=livewins&num=0&h=450&w=450&date=2014-10-05&team=Tigers&dh=0" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" height="450" width="450" style="border:1px solid black;"></iframe><br><span>Source: <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/livewins.aspx?date=2014-10-05&team=Tigers&dh=0&season=2014">FanGraphs</a></span></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>ROLL CALL:</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p> </p>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1">
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<th colspan="2">Roll Call Info</th>
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<td width="150">Total comments</td>
<td>1,281</td>
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<tr class="alt">
<td>Total commenters</td>
<td>52</td>
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<td>Commenter list</td>
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<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/242christianrocker">242christianrocker</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/AurelioFan">AurelioFan</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BadCompany22">BadCompany22</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Bent82">Bent82</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Cabbylander">Cabbylander</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Canadiantiger">Canadiantiger</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ChubbyD">ChubbyD</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Combo%20Guard%20City">Combo Guard City</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Designated%20for%20Assignment">Designated for Assignment</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DetroitSports">DetroitSports</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Detroiter1206">Detroiter1206</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Fozmoski">Fozmoski</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Grzesio">Grzesio</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/I%20see%20ya%20big%20fella">I see ya big fella</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/I.P.%20Knightly">I.P. Knightly</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Jacob30">Jacob30</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/JakeJustice65">JakeJustice65</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Jeff%20Price">Jeff Price</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Joaquin%20on%20Sunshine">Joaquin on Sunshine</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/JoeK5">JoeK5</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/LarryLive">LarryLive</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Michigan%26TrumbullinLA">Michigan&TrumbullinLA</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/NCDee">NCDee</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Ottis%20Franklin">Ottis Franklin</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Reflect">Reflect</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SanDiegoMick">SanDiegoMick</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Singledigit">Singledigit</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SpartanHT">SpartanHT</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/TigerFromSpain">TigerFromSpain</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/Tyrannus%20Rex">Tyrannus Rex</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Verlanderful">Verlanderful</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Voice%20of%20Trebek">Voice of Trebek</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/XFizzle">XFizzle</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ahtrap">ahtrap</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/benjals">benjals</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/brandon.toy.54">brandon.toy.54</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/brunokm">brunokm</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/dimes5">dimes5</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/frisbeepilot">frisbeepilot</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/garyvallier">garyvallier</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/jgrubbs">jgrubbs</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/john.fortney">john.fortney</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/knucklescarbone">knucklescarbone</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/lesmanalim">lesmanalim</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/lithium">lithium</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ltaylor">ltaylor</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/pknyc">pknyc</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/skysix">skysix</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/subic%20sailor">subic sailor</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/texastigerfan">texastigerfan</a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>Story URLs</td>
<td>
<div><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/10/5/6913783/alds-game-3-tigers-vs-orioles-3-45-p-m/in/6677786">http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/10/5/6913783/alds-game-3-tigers-vs-orioles-3-45-p-m/in/6677786</a></div>
<div><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/10/5/6915003/alds-game-3-overflow">http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/10/5/6915003/alds-game-3-overflow</a></div>
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<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>TOP TEN COMMENTERS:</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p> </p>
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<th width="20">#</th> <th>Commenter</th> <th># Comments</th>
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<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/brandon.toy.54">brandon.toy.54</a></td>
<td>119</td>
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<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Jeff%20Price">Jeff Price</a></td>
<td>103</td>
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<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/texastigerfan">texastigerfan</a></td>
<td>100</td>
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<tr class="alt">
<td>4</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Cabbylander">Cabbylander</a></td>
<td>87</td>
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<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Joaquin%20on%20Sunshine">Joaquin on Sunshine</a></td>
<td>83</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>6</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/AurelioFan">AurelioFan</a></td>
<td>58</td>
</tr>
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<td>7</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/NCDee">NCDee</a></td>
<td>56</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>8</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Ottis%20Franklin">Ottis Franklin</a></td>
<td>54</td>
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<td>9</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/john.fortney">john.fortney</a></td>
<td>50</td>
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<tr class="alt">
<td>10</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SanDiegoMick">SanDiegoMick</a></td>
<td>47</td>
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<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
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<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>TOP RECS:</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p> </p>
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<th width="60"># Recs</th> <th>Commenter</th> <th>Comment Link</th>
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<td>5</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Singledigit">Singledigit</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/10/5/6915003/alds-game-3-overflow#263052578">They've had a great run</a></td>
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<tr class="alt">
<td>4</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Ottis%20Franklin">Ottis Franklin</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/10/5/6915003/alds-game-3-overflow#263055840">If Romine would have tackled him, we could have had the out</a></td>
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<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Singledigit">Singledigit</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/10/5/6915003/alds-game-3-overflow#263047660">Watch Holaday get the game winning rbi</a></td>
</tr>
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<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Singledigit">Singledigit</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/10/5/6915003/alds-game-3-overflow#263050138">Please</a></td>
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<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/NCDee">NCDee</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/10/5/6915003/alds-game-3-overflow#263052982">So now they're just making shit up</a></td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Detroiter1206">Detroiter1206</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/10/5/6915003/alds-game-3-overflow#263068532">Here comes Joe Nathan!</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/NCDee">NCDee</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/10/5/6915003/alds-game-3-overflow#263046758">[no title]</a></td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Ottis%20Franklin">Ottis Franklin</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/10/5/6915003/alds-game-3-overflow#263053354">all true so far</a></td>
</tr>
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<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
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</table>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/10/5/6914469/orioles-2-tigers-1-david-price-solid-in-final-start-but-detroitsCatherine Slonksnis2014-10-05T19:27:19-04:002014-10-05T19:27:19-04:00ALDS Game 3 Thread of Broken Hearts
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</figure>
<p>It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone. You count on it, rely on it to buffer the passage of time, to keep the memory of sunshine and high skies alive, and then just when the days are all twilight, when you need it most, it stops.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>A. Bartlett Giamatti</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/10/5/6915421/alds-game-3-thread-of-broken-heartsNCDee2014-10-05T18:10:36-04:002014-10-05T18:10:36-04:00Avila confirms he suffered concussion on foul tip
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_aEbRd-dLb9GXtCqoRkZM22FcKE=/0x60:4000x2727/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/40977154/20131017_ajl_aa1_119.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Alex Avila left Sunday's game after taking a foul tip to the mask and confirmed after the game that he was diagnosed with a concussion.</p> <p>DETROIT — <span>Alex Avila</span> was taken out of Game 3 of the ALDS on Sunday after getting hit in the mask by a foul tip in the sixth inning. Backup catcher <span>Bryan Holaday</span> replaced him behind the plate.</p>
<p>With Avila's concussion issues this season, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a> weren't taking any chances. The foul tip hit Avila well and he fell back, unable to get up.</p>
<p>When Avila turned over to get to his feet from his knees, he remained staggered and was slow to getting to his feet.</p>
<p>Head athletic trainer Kevin Rand and Tigers manager <span>Brad Ausmus</span> came out to talk, but there was little discussion as Ausmus motioned for Holaday and Avila left the game under his own power.</p>
<p>Once Avila left the game, things took a turn for the worse. The Orioles got a single by Adam Jones and Nelson Cruz followed it up with a two-run home run on a 1-1 pitch, making it 2-0 in favor of the Orioles.</p>
<p>Until that point the Tigers and Orioles were scoreless with David Price and Bud Norris engaged in a pitcher's duel. Price blinked first after the catching change, while Norris continued to shut down the Tigers 1-2-3 in the bottom of the sixth.</p>
<p><b>UPDATE:</b></p>
<p>After the game Avila confirmed that he was diagnosed with a concussion, marking the third confirmed concussion he's suffered this season alone. Avila said the last thing he wanted was to come out of the game, but understood the reasons behind it and the need for Rand and Ausmus to protect his health.</p>
<p>Avila tried to talk his way out of being taken out of the game, telling Rand he was fine even though he knew he wasn't. That's just the way Avila is, you'd have to nearly pull him off the field to get him to comply in any situation.</p>
<p>Sunday, with a firm hand on Avila for support, Rand did just that and wouldn't take no for an answer. In the clubhouse after the game, Avila admitted he still had a slight headache and some lingering dizziness.</p>
<p>"Tomorrow I'll go through all the tests, they'll put me through X-rays of my neck, CT scans, MRIs, make sure I'm ok, talk to the doctors, speak with the neurologists and we'll take it from there," Avila said. "See what the doctors say. But I fully expect to be playing next year so that's what I expect and I'm going to play as long as I can."</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/10/5/6915363/alex-avila-leaves-alds-game-3-after-taking-foul-tip-to-maskCatherine Slonksnis2014-10-05T17:02:24-04:002014-10-05T17:02:24-04:00ALDS Game 3 Overflow
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1aToIBUxJlmNtwNELntQCjeT5Q0=/0x18:4000x2685/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/40972676/456693976.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Leon Halip</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Let's go Tigers!</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/10/5/6915003/alds-game-3-overflowNCDee2014-10-05T14:12:45-04:002014-10-05T14:12:45-04:00Davis sits for ALDS Game 3, Kelly starts in CF
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/S8JECwW1eHdeq5ngb_vksa_HOaA=/0x30:4000x2697/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/40955012/454093946.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Hannah Foslien</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Tigers manager Brad Ausmus has elected to start Don Kelly in center field instead of Ezequiel Carrera, as Rajai Davis is sidelined for continuing soreness.</p> <p>DETROIT — With the <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Tigers</a> facing elimination Sunday, Tigers manager <span>Brad Ausmus</span> held center fielder <span>Rajai Davis</span> out of the lineup as he's still feeling soreness from the pelvic ligament injury. Sunday morning Ausmus said that the cooler weather was part of the reason Davis was held out of the lineup as it was a previous issue.</p>
<p>Instead of going with the usual course of action, Ausmus flipped a 180, choosing to start utility player <span>Don Kelly</span> in place of Davis rather than <span>Ezequiel Carrera</span>. Ausmus had said on Saturday that Kelly was in the mix when he was asked about who would start on Sunday if Davis was unavailable, and that held true when the lineup was announced on Sunday. Kelly will bat ninth, with Davis available to pinch-hit if necessary.</p>
<p>"Zeke (Carrera) probably runs a little bit better," Ausmus said. "Donnie (Kelly), obviously, has a little more experience."</p>
<p>Ausmus said it was a gut feeling to go with Kelly instead of Carrera and that both were about the same defensively, but it speaks volumes when the manager opts to start Kelly over Carrera in the most important game of the year.</p>
<p>Carrera does offer more speed in center field and he's shown that on the basepaths, but Carrera's ability to play the position has been filled with holes, defensively.</p>
<p>Also, Ausmus said he spoke to Tigers relievers Saturday, but as usual, he would not comment as to what he told them. If needed, Ausmus did say <span>Anibal Sanchez</span> would be available, but his use of Sanchez would likely remain about the same.</p>
<p><b>Tigers</b></p>
<p><b></b>1. <span>Ian Kinsler</span>, 2B</p>
<p>2. <span>Torii Hunter</span>, RF</p>
<p>3. <span>Miguel Cabrera</span>, 1B</p>
<p>4. <span>Victor Martinez</span>, DH</p>
<p>5. <span>J.D. Martinez</span>, LF</p>
<p>6. <span>Alex Avila</span>, C</p>
<p>7. <span>Nick Castellanos</span>, 3B</p>
<p>8. <span>Andrew Romine</span>, SS</p>
<p>9. Don Kelly, CF</p>
<p>SP: <span>David Price</span>, LHP</p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.camdenchat.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Orioles</a>:</b></p>
<p><b></b><span>1. <span>Nick Markakis</span>, RF</span></p>
<p><span></span><span>2. <span>Steve Pearce</span>, 1B</span></p>
<p><span></span><span>3. <span>Adam Jones</span>, 1B</span></p>
<p><span></span><span>4. <span>Nelson Cruz</span>, DH</span></p>
<p><span></span><span>5. <span>Delmon Young</span>, LF</span></p>
<p><span></span><span>6. <span>J.J. Hardy</span>, SS</span></p>
<p><span></span><span>7. </span><span><span>Nick Hundley</span>, C</span></p>
<p><span></span><span>8. <span>Ryan Flaherty</span>, SS</span></p>
<p><span></span><span>9. <span>Jonathan Schoop</span>, 2B</span></p>
<p><span></span>SP: <span>Bud Norris</span>, RHP</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/10/5/6911699/tigers-orioles-lineups-alds-game-3Catherine Slonksnis2014-10-05T09:00:03-04:002014-10-05T09:00:03-04:00ALDS Game 3 Preview: Tigers at Orioles
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bwZbalc91tc-W8LUENxH7l3VSrc=/0x250:2641x2011/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/40886238/20140917_mje_aa3_1021.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Can the Tigers live to fight another day? David Price led them to victory in a similar situation last week, and the Tigers are hoping he can do it again.</p> <h4>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.camdenchat.com/">Baltimore Orioles</a> at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Detroit Tigers</a>
</h4>
<p><b>Series:</b> 2-0, Baltimore</p>
<p><b>Time/Place:</b> 3:45 p.m., Comerica Park</p>
<p><b>SB Nation blog:</b> <a href="http://www.camdenchat.com/" target="_blank">Camden Chat</a></p>
<p><b>Media:</b> TBS, <a href="http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/det/schedule/radioaffiliates.jsp" target="_blank">Tigers Radio Network</a></p>
<p><b>Pitching Matchup:</b> RHP <span>Bud Norris</span> (15-8, 3.65 ERA) vs. LHP <span>David Price</span> (15-12, 3.26 ERA)</p>
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Pitcher</td>
<td>GS</td>
<td>IP</td>
<td>K/9</td>
<td>BB/9</td>
<td>HR/9</td>
<td>WHIP</td>
<td>FIP</td>
<td>SIERA</td>
<td>fWAR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Norris</td>
<td>28</td>
<td>165.1</td>
<td>7.57</td>
<td>2.83</td>
<td>1.09</td>
<td>1.22</td>
<td>4.22</td>
<td>3.86</td>
<td>1.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Price</td>
<td>34</td>
<td>248.1</td>
<td>9.82</td>
<td>1.38</td>
<td>0.91</td>
<td>1.08</td>
<td>2.85</td>
<td>4.17</td>
<td>3.3</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Orioles manager Buck Showalter tried to pull a fast one on the Tigers, announcing yesterday that <span>Bud Norris</span> would start Game 3 in place of right-hander Miguel Gonzalez. Will it pay off? Based on his two starts against the Tigers in the regular season, I wouldn't bet on it. The Tigers jumped all over Norris in his start at Comerica Park back on April 5th, scoring five runs on nine hits in just five innings. <span>Torii Hunter</span> was responsible for all of the damage in that contest, driving in five runs off Norris via a bases loaded double and a two-run home run. Nine of the 23 batters Norris faced in that game reached base.</p>
<p>If we fast forward to their meeting at Camden Yards on May 12th, we see that Norris allowed four runs, but also ate 7 2/3 innings in the process. This game was more of a grind for the Tigers, as they only scored two runs on four hits in the first seven innings. <span>Ian Kinsler</span> dealt the final blow in the eighth inning, hitting a two-run homer to stretch the Tigers' lead to 4-1.</p>
<p>These two starts were essentially a microcosm of Norris' entire season. He was excellent at home, allowing a 2.44 ERA and 3.44 FIP in 13 starts. On the road, his ERA and FIP jumped to 4.80 and 4.97, respectively. His strikeout-to-walk ratio splits were almost dead even -- and higher on the road, actually -- but he allowed an incredible 15 home runs in just 84 1/3 innings away from Camden Yards in 2014. He also allowed a lower ratio of ground balls to fly balls on the road, meaning more hitters were putting the ball in the air -- and ultimately, out of the stadium. This isn't a one year fluke, either. Norris's career home ERA is nearly two full runs lower than his road ERA.</p>
<p>David Price led all American League pitchers in strikeouts and innings pitched, and ranked among the top five qualified starters in strikeouts per nine innings, walks per nine innings, strikeout-to-walk ratio, and WHIP. In 77 innings since being traded to Detroit in July, he has pitched very well, but the numbers are not quite on par with his past couple of seasons. Although, his 2.44 FIP with the Tigers would be a career best.</p>
<p>Price is 6-2 with a 3.27 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP for his career in Comerica Park. He is 7-3 with a 2.82 ERA against the Orioles in his career, which was spent in same division until the big trade to Detroit. Current Orioles have fared much better against Price than they have against Verlander, with a combined line of .288/.320/.420.</p>
<p><b>Hitter to fear:</b> <span>Nelson Cruz</span> is batting .368 <span> </span>.429 <span> </span>.684 <span> </span>1.113 against Price, with a pair of homers in 19 at bats<br><b>Hitter to fail:</b> <span>Adam Jones</span> is hitting .255 with an OPS of just .583</p>
<h5>Outlook</h5>
<p>It's do or die time for the Tigers. They will need David Price to pitch seven or eight innings to avoid that dumpster fire in the bullpen, and postponing the dreaded decision that <span>Brad Ausmus</span> must make. It should be <span>Anibal Sanchez</span> first, then <span>Al Alburquerque</span>, but if it gets to the ninth inning, the crowd will be chanting "let's go Joe". Expect a lively crowd at Comerica Park, with flags waving, hoping that this is not the end of the line for the Tigers in 2014. If Tiger hitters are patient, they can get to Norris early and keep the crowd in the game.</p>
<h5>Prediction</h5>
<p>The Tigers have won three playoff games in a row before.</p>
<ul>
<li>Down 3 games to 1 to the St Louis <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/">Cardinals</a> in 1968, they won the last three games, beating Bob Gibson in game seven to win the World Series.</li>
<li>Three in a row over Kansas City in 1984, then games 3, 4, and 5 of the World Series against San Diego, to win the World Series.</li>
<li>Four straight over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a> in the ALCS in 2012, sending the Tigers to the World Series.</li>
<li>Three straight over the Yankees in the ALDS in 2006, then four straight over Oakland in the ALCS to send the Tigers to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/world-series">the World Series</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p>In baseball, all things are possible.</p>
<p>Tigers score early and Price shuts down the Orioles for at least seven innings, giving Brad's Bengals a chance to fight another day.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/10/5/6901011/2014-alds-game-3-preview-detroit-tigers-at-baltimore-oriolesPatrick OKennedyRob Rogacki2014-10-05T07:00:02-04:002014-10-05T07:00:02-04:00Verlander asking fans to #BlueOut Comerica Park
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ohrVmt80LFY28wDYkEE6wBnUSI0=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/40917252/20140619_mta_aa1_173.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Justin Verlander is asking fans for support by covering Comerica Park in a sea of blue as the Tigers play Game 3 against the Orioles, hoping to stay alive in the ALDS.</p> <p>DETROIT — Last Sunday <span>Ian Kinsler</span> asked for sore throats when the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a> returned home to play Game 3 of the ALDS against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.camdenchat.com/">Orioles</a>. With the Tigers facing elimination this Sunday, the Tigers need fans as pumped up as they can be in support of the team.</p>
<p>Starting pitcher <span>Justin Verlander</span> took to Twitter Saturday night, calling for fans to choose a color and cover Comerica Park in the same said color. The hastag #colorcomerica was used for Verlander to choose between blue, white, and orange.</p>
<p>As the Tigers are playing the Orioles — whose primary color is orange — the option of orange was struck down rather rapidly. Blue was ultimately decided on, so now the Tigers are asking all fans to show up with screaming voices and Tiger-blue t-shirts.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p>Let's fill the stadium tomorrow with one color! What do u guys think?? Orange, blue or white? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/colorcomerica?src=hash">#colorcomerica</a> so I can see responses.</p>
— Justin Verlander (@JustinVerlander) <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinVerlander/status/518552230195388416">October 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p> </p>
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<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/JustinVerlander">@JustinVerlander</a> blue! Orange looks like THEIR color! We need to represent the D & the hard working blue collars out there! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/colorcomerica?src=hash">#colorcomerica</a></p>
— Jenni Womick (@TigerGirlJenni) <a href="https://twitter.com/TigerGirlJenni/status/518556934945787904">October 5, 2014</a>
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<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
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<blockquote data-partner="tweetdeck" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Blue! RT "<a href="https://twitter.com/JustinVerlander">@JustinVerlander</a>: Let's fill the stadium tomorrow with one color! What do u guys think?? Orange, blue or white? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/colorcomerica?src=hash">#colorcomerica</a>"</p>
— <span>Ben Verlander</span> (@Verly32) <a href="https://twitter.com/Verly32/status/518555847551885313">October 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<blockquote data-partner="tweetdeck" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>"<a href="https://twitter.com/JustinVerlander">@JustinVerlander</a>:Let's fill the stadium tomorrow with one color!Orange, blue or white? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/colorcomerica?src=hash">#colorcomerica</a> so I can see responses." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tigerblue?src=hash">#tigerblue</a></p>
— Kate Upton (@KateUpton) <a href="https://twitter.com/KateUpton/status/518552762683228160">October 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>The color is blue tomorrow! Hope we can spread the word soon enough. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/colorcomerica?src=hash">#colorcomerica</a></p>
— Justin Verlander (@JustinVerlander) <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinVerlander/status/518557649840128000">October 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>While we're at it, if you are going to Sunday's game, the Lions are playing the Bills at 1 p.m. and downtown Detroit will be packed. Allow plenty of time to get downtown, as well as to park. I'd suggest at least a healthy two (or three) hour head start. It's going to be a little nuts.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/10/5/6909425/justin-verlander-tigers-fans-blue-sunday-game-3-aldsCatherine Slonksnis