Orioles 3 - 1 Tigers
Final
  for this game

Tigers put perfect record on the line in capper with O's

Apr 6, 2014 - 2:23 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - The Detroit Tigers will try to remain unbeaten and will have their opening-day starter, Justin Verlander, on the hill Sunday in the finale of a three-game series versus the Baltimore Orioles at Comerica Park.

Detroit is after its first 5-0 start since 2006, when the Tigers captured the American League pennant. A win today would give the Tigers their first sweep of the O's since July 5-7, 2010.

Verlander made his seventh straight opening day start for Detroit and surrendered three runs -- two earned -- on six hits and three walks over six frames in Monday's 4-3 win over the Kansas City Royals in the Motor City. He didn't get a decision.

Over his career, Verlander is 8-1 with a 3.26 ERA in 13 career games against the Orioles. He won his first eight decisions versus Baltimore before being pounded for seven hits and five runs over five frames in a June 18, 2013 home loss.

Baltimore's lone win of the season came with Chris Tillman leading the way on the mound in the season opener Monday against the Boston Red Sox at Camden Yards. Tillman scattered seven hits and struck out four while working the first five innings, with Grady Sizemore's homer his only run surrendered.

Tillman also has past success against today's opponent. The right-hander is 2-0 with a 4.30 ERA in five starts against the Tigers.

Yesterday, Torii Hunter provided five RBI and the Tigers held on for a 7-6 win. Hunter's bases-clearing double in the third brought in three runs, while his two-run homer in the fifth helped the Tigers stay undefeated.

"I'm just trying to be relaxed up there at the plate," said Hunter. "I just got some good pitches in the strike zone and was able to capitalize on them."

Don Kelly went 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored, while Rick Porcello (1-0) surrendered just one run on three hits with three strikeouts across 6 2/3 innings.

Chris Davis and J.J. Hardy each had two hits for Baltimore. Starter Bud Norris (0-1) was tagged for five runs on nine hits over five innings in the Orioles' fourth straight loss.

"We scored six. That should be enough to win, but it wasn't," said Orioles manager Buck Showalter.

The Orioles won four of the six meetings against the Tigers last season.






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