After Wednesday evening’s unpleasant blowout loss, the Tigers were hoping to walk away winners on Thursday night’s rubber match. The Orioles were trying a little of the Tigers’ best medicine, with an Opener in Keegan Akin for the first inning before turning bulk innings duties over to Dean Kremer. The Tigers, meanwhile, had their ace up their sleeve, and put Tarik Skubal on the mound.
Akin is a southpaw, so AJ Hinch countered with Jahmai Jones in the leadoff spot the first time through the order. Jones got the first inning started with a double that nearly took the third base umpire out at the knees.