Tigers Vs. Orioles: Baltimore’s Bats Erupt, Continue Hot Start

American League, take note: the magic number for the Baltimore Orioles is 156.

Too soon? Just a little. But the Orioles continued their torrid start on Thursday, erupting for a five-run 7th inning in a 9-5 home victory over the Detroit Tigers. The old mixed with the new as Adam Jones and Mark Reynolds combined for four hits and six RBI, with Vladimir Guerrero contributing a home run and RBI single. Guerrero’s single broke up a 4-4 tie, and Jones’ sacrifice fly gave the Orioles a lead they wouldn’t give up.

Neither starting pitcher fared well in the game, with Tigers’ starter Brad Penny giving up four earned runs in 5 1/3 innings, and Chris Tillman giving up four earned runs in 4 2/3. The game was tied at four when both pitchers exited, leaving the bullpens to decide the game. More specifically, the Orioles’ bullpen decided to protect the lead, and the Tigers’ bullpen decided to ruin their ERAs for the next two months. Enrique Gonzalez was hit the hardest for Detroit, allowing two inherited runners to score, and following those up with three earned runs of his own.

The Tigers (2-4) will start Max Scherzer against the Royals on Friday night, with the Orioles (5-1) going with Zach Britton against the Rangers in a match of AL powerhouses.