Orioles vs. Tigers, 2014 ALDS Game 3 final score: Baltimore completes sweep with 2-1 victory
A Nelson Cruz homer was all the Orioles needed to finish their sweep of the Tigers on Sunday. It’s off to the ALCS for Baltimore now.
Bud Norris delivered a lights out performance, Nelson Cruz hit his second homer in three games and the Baltimore Orioles completed their ALDS sweep of the Detroit Tigers with a 2-1 victory on Sunday. The Orioles now advance to the American League Championship Series after putting together an impressive showing in the Motor City.
Norris and Tigers starter David Price were in a pitcher's duel through five innings on Sunday until Cruz broke the tie in the top of the sixth with a two-run shot. Price recovered from there to get through the inning and keep Baltimore scoreless for the remainder of his outing, but just enough damage was done.
Cruz continues to be one of the most devastating postseason hitters in recent memory, and his performance in the series against Detroit only bolsters that reputation. In three games, the 34-year-old batted 6-of-12 with two homers and five RBI, leading the team in pretty much every major offensive category.
The home run off Price on Sunday was Cruz’s 16th career postseason home run in 37 games.
Norris avoided the mistakes that cost Price, holding the Tigers to just two hits and zero runs in 6⅓ innings. The 29-year-old looked comfortable in his first career postseason appearance, striking out six and walking two as the offense gave him just enough support for the win.
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Andrew Miller came in relief of Norris in the seventh inning and pitched 1⅔ scoreless innings. The big lefty was one of the best relievers in baseball during the regular season and he followed though against his former team again on Sunday.
The Tigers rallied in the ninth inning with their backs against the wall, cutting the lead to one after back-to-back doubles by Victor Martinez and J.D. Martinez. The tying run was on second base with one out, but Hernan Perez grounded into a double play to end the game and clinch Baltimore's ALCS trip.
The defeat wasn't the only bad news for the Tigers, who saw catcher Alex Avila leave the game after taking a foul-tip to the mask. Avila has already suffered from head injuries this season and could have a hard time sticking behind the plate long-term if this is an ongoing issue.
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