Will the Detroit Tigers ever win again? This is a question many fans were asking themselves on Friday night as they watched the offense finally score more than three runs for the first time in seven games, only to see another game lost by Jack Flaherty and the defense. The result was a 7-4 defeat to open the three-game series against the Orioles at Camden Yards.
Over the last nine games before this one, that four-run effort would have won five, tied two and lost two. This team is beyond out of sync
at this point and collapsing into pure chaos.
Perhaps left-hander Framber Valdez can turn the tide for the Motor City Kitties. He will be taking the mound on Saturday afternoon looking to improve on his previous outing — a five-inning, four-run effort that saw him surrender five hits and four walks while striking out three Cleveland Guardians for his third loss of the season.
The last time the 32-year-old saw the Orioles was last year with the Houston Astros on Aug. 18, when he threw 6 2/3 frames of four-run (three earned) ball on nine hits (one home run) and a walk while striking out six to take the loss.
Up against Valdez will be right-hander Brandon Young, who has been exceptionally mediocre in his second major league season. The 27-year-old has one quality start to his credit, but that was his lone six-plus innings effort. He only made it through 3 1/3 frames last time out against the Washington Nationals and has allowed at least two runs in five of his six appearances.
Young has faced the Tigers once before in his second major league game last year on April 26. He allowed three runs on four hits and five walks while striking out six over 4 2/3 innings for his first big league loss.
Take a look at how the two match up below.
Detroit Tigers (20-32) vs. Baltimore Orioles (22-29)
Time (ET): 4:05 p.m.
Place: Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
SB Nation Site: Camden Chat
Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network
Game 53: LHP Framber Valdez (2-3, 4.58 ERA) vs. RHP Brandon Young (3-1, 4.25 ERA)
VALDEZ
YOUNG
