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Orioles-Tigers Preview

Sep 12, 2010 - 4:06 AM By KATE HEDLIN STATS Writer

Baltimore (54-87) at Detroit (71-71), 1:05 p.m. EDT

The Baltimore Orioles have experienced a resurgence since Buck Showalter took over as manager, but completing their first sweep at Comerica Park in more than six years could be difficult.

Justin Verlander looks to improve to 5-0 in his career against the Orioles when he takes the mound for the Detroit Tigers in the finale of a three-game set Sunday afternoon.

Baltimore (55-87) won for the sixth time in seven games, and raised its record to 23-14 under Showalter after a 5-3 win Saturday. Adam Jones had four hits for the Orioles, who are averaging 5.6 runs in their last seven games.

Baltimore entered the series having dropped five straight in Detroit, but now is in position for its first sweep at Comerica Park since May 28-30, 2004.

The Orioles are 11-6 on the road under Showalter after going 14-40 away from home with Dave Trembley and Juan Samuel at the helm.

"What this team is learning is that, if you play good baseball, you can win anywhere," Showalter said. "That's what I've told them - the teams that play deep into October are the teams that can win on the road. That's what we will have to do in the years to come."

However, the Orioles traditionally have struggled against Verlander (15-8, 3.53 ERA), who is 4-0 with a 2.57 ERA in six starts against them.

Verlander is 3-1 with a 2.48 ERA in his last six starts overall. He allowed one run, five hits and struck out seven in seven innings of a 9-1 win over the White Sox on Tuesday.

"I really felt like I got my curveball tonight," he said. "It took me 30 starts to find it, or however many I've had this year, but it was kind of like a light bulb went off. I can't say it will be there the rest of the year, but I had the hard curve tonight. Hopefully, I can retain that feel."

Brian Roberts, who had three hits of Baltimore's 16 hits Saturday, is batting .419 over the last seven games. However, he's 3 for 16 against Verlander.

The Tigers are trying to avoid their first three-game losing streak since Aug. 17-19.

Detroit is 3 for 17 with runners in scoring position during the series, and will try to get its offense going against Chris Tillman (1-4, 7.42), who will make his second start for Baltimore since being recalled from the minors Sept. 5 to face Tampa Bay.

The right-hander allowed three runs and six hits in 5 1-3 innings, but didn't get a decision in the Orioles' 8-7 win. He has no record and a 7.50 ERA in one career start against the Tigers.