Tigers Look To Get Back On Track Against Baltimore
Seven-game winning streaks are becoming common for the Baltimore Orioles, but you've got to go back more than a decade to find a run that's lasted longer.
They'll try to match that 2005 streak Sunday against the visiting Detroit Tigers, who are in danger of a fifth straight defeat.
After Saturday's 9-3 win, the Orioles (23-12) are in position to match an eight-game winning streak from April 22-May 1, 2005. This is their second seven-game run this season after starting the season 7-0.
Jonathan Schoop homered twice, including a grand slam, with five RBIs and is batting .322 in 16 games since opening the season hitting .200 through his first 19. Adam Jones had a double and a homer and is batting .433 with four home runs and nine RBIs on a seven-game hitting streak.
Baltimore has won seven of nine in the series.
Detroit (15-21), meanwhile, has lost four straight and 11 of 12. The lineup has managed 2.9 runs while batting .217 in that time, and Justin Upton has been a big part of it with a 2-for-33 slump.
The pitching staff has a 6.28 ERA in that time with the bullpen posting a ridiculous 10.04 mark while being hit at a .377 clip.
"I think the team is good," manager Brad Ausmus said in response to a question on whether the Tigers simply might not be very good. "You can blame me. That's what happens anyway."
Kevin Gausman will try to keep things going for the Orioles.
Gausman (0-1, 2.16 ERA) has made four starts since beginning the season on the disabled list with right shoulder tendinitis and is yet to allow more than three runs, though he's still seeking his first win.
The right-hander gave up three runs and five hits in six innings of Tuesday's 5-3 win in Minnesota, though it ended on a sour note with a two-run homer served up to Trevor Plouffe in the fifth inning.
"Obviously, I was upset about the home run. Anytime you are cruising in your last inning, one of the worst pitches you throw all day gets hit out of the park to tie the ballgame, it's definitely frustrating," Gausman told MLB's official website.
"But after just sitting in here, it's a quality start, and as a starting pitcher that's really your main focus."
Gausman is 1-1 with a 4.24 ERA in three career starts against the Tigers, all of which have come at home. Victor Martinez is 0 for 7, but Ian Kinsler is 3 for 7.
He's up against Michael Fulmer, who's pitching for the fourth time in the big leagues.
Fulmer (2-1, 6.00 ERA) has pitched five innings in each of his first three major league starts with mixed results, trading wins and losses but remaining fairly consistent with a 92-pitch low and a high of 96. He gave up three runs and seven hits with three walks in Tuesday's 5-4 victory in Washington.
The right-hander has made all three of his starts on the road, so a home debut will have to wait until Saturday against Tampa Bay.
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