Tigers vs. Orioles: Game 1 predictions, odds and picks — Sept 20, MLB 2024

On Friday, the Detroit Tigers and Baltimore Orioles will kick off the final series of the season between the two teams. With both clubs vying for a postseason slot, every pitch will matter.

This is the second series between the Tigers and Orioles within a week. Last weekend, Detroit took two out of three games, outscoring manager Brandon Hyde's team by a margin of 7-6.

"It appears that tonight's Detroit Tigers at Baltimore Orioles game can only be seen on Apple+ TV. #RepDetroit" - Dan Clynick

Tigers vs Orioles recent form and records

Having not made the postseason for a decade, the Tigers now stand on the cusp of qualification. Heading into Friday's game, their 80-73 record places them in a statistical tie with the Minnesota Twins for the third and final AL Wild Card spot. 8-2 over their last 10, Detroit has been playing some solid baseball of late.

Despite leading the AL East at several different points this season, it looks like the Baltimore Orioles will concede the AL East title to the New York Yankees. However, the O's are still 85-68, placing them in the first AL Wild Card spot. Still, Baltimore is only 3-7 in their last 10.

Players to Watch

Starting Pitchers

DET: TBD vs BAL: Corbin Burnes (14-8, 3.06 ERA)

Burnes has a 1.119 WHIP, 2.2 BB/9 and 164 K in 182 IP.

Last Start: Win, 7 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 7 K vs DET

Career vs DET: 2-0 0.82 ERA (22 IP, 2 ER) 1 HR in four games

Must-Watch Hitters

Detroit

Outfielder Riley Greene has been one of MLB's top bats. Over his last 24 at-bats, the 23-year-old has 3 home runs and 5 RBIs, including a homer and two RBIs in his team's recent series against the Kansas City Royals. Greene also connected for two homers against the O's last weekend.

"Not only did Riley Greene CRUSH that and give the Tigers a 2-0 lead, he made some fans very happy! #RepDetroit" - Bally Sports Detroit

Parker Meadows boasts 14 RBIs for his last 13 games and also homered against the O's last weekend. Another example of Detroit's youthful talent, Meadows has 8 home runs and 27 RBIs in 73 games this year.

Over his past 12 games, Colt Keith has hit .311/.367/.400 with a home run and five RBIs. In the series against Baltimore last weekend, Keith went 4-for-10 with an RBI and a run scored.

Baltimore

While outfielder Cedric Mullins is just eight for his last 40, the O's star has made his at-bats count. In those 40 at-bats, Mullins touts 3 home runs, 6 RBIs, as well as four runs scored and four steals.

Anthony Santander's home run played a pivotal role in lifting the O's over the San Francisco Giants on Thursday. A first-time All-Star in 2024, Santander's 42 home runs represent a career high, as does his .820 slugging percentage.

"ANTHONY SANTANDER WALKS IT OFF FOR THE @Orioles" - MLB Network

Gunnar Henderson leads his team with 15 hits over the past two weeks. In that period, Henderson has hit .300/.352/.520 and owns a career .256 batting figure with 2 home runs and 5 RBIs in 11 career games against Detroit.

Tigers vs Orioles baseball betting odds

Friday 20/11	Money Line	Run Spread	Total Runs
Detroit Tigers	+ 145	+ 1.5 -150	O 7.5 -120
Baltimore Orioles	- 175	- 1.5 +125	U 7.5 +100

Tigers vs Orioles expert picks and expert analysis

The Tigers are a hot club coming into this game. Propelled by rookie talent, the club has only lost six of their last ten games. However, their hitting figures in their hot steak have not been particularly good, suggesting a dose of luck.

The Orioles are one of MLB's best hitting teams, and they will be bringing their ace, Corbin Burnes to the mound. In his last start, which came against the Tigers in Detroit, Burnes spun six innings, allowing zero earned runs and striking out seven.

While Detroit may be coming into the game with more momentum, expect Baltimore to be able to meet the challenge.

Run Line: +1.5 -150

Total Runs: O 7.5 -120

Prediction: Orioles W, 9-5