Matchup: Pitching

<b>Rangers: </b> Darvish has been phenomenal lately, going 5-1 with a 2.36 ERA in his last eight starts after since manager Ron Washington sat him down after a bad outing in Boston and stressed that he needs to be himself and not worry about outside criticism. The Rangers bullpen has been solid, but it's without injured set-up man Mike Adams. That leaves eighth inning duties to former Oriole Koji Uehara, who has been very good since returning from injury.<br>
<br>
<b>Orioles: </b> The Orioles were forced to throw Chris Tillman on Wednesday; they would have preferred to have saved him for this one-game playoff. Left-handed starter Joe Saunders has had a nightmare in Arlington, posting a 0-6 record and a 9.38 career ERA in six games at Rangers Ballpark. The club has been led by its bullpen, including closer Jim Johnson and a pair of former Rangers, Darren O'Day and Pedro Strop. That shouldn't change in a one-game playoff, with manager Buck Showalter likely leaning on his pen early if needed.<br>
<br>
<b>EDGE: </b> Rangers

( October 4, 2012 )

Rangers: Darvish has been phenomenal lately, going 5-1 with a 2.36 ERA in his last eight starts after since manager Ron Washington sat him down after a bad outing in Boston and stressed that he needs to be himself and not worry about outside criticism. The Rangers bullpen has been solid, but it's without injured set-up man Mike Adams. That leaves eighth inning duties to former Oriole Koji Uehara, who has been very good since returning from injury.

Orioles: The Orioles were forced to throw Chris Tillman on Wednesday; they would have preferred to have saved him for this one-game playoff. Left-handed starter Joe Saunders has had a nightmare in Arlington, posting a 0-6 record and a 9.38 career ERA in six games at Rangers Ballpark. The club has been led by its bullpen, including closer Jim Johnson and a pair of former Rangers, Darren O'Day and Pedro Strop. That shouldn't change in a one-game playoff, with manager Buck Showalter likely leaning on his pen early if needed.

EDGE: Rangers

Comments (0)

Add comments | Discussion FAQ

Currently there are no comments. Be the first to comment!

COMMENTING POLICY: Readers are encouraged to post comments that are germane to the article. We reserve the right to remove any user, and to delete comments that contain abusive language or personal threats, as well as those that are racist or demeaning. Readers may report comments by clicking "Report Abuse." Once a comment has been flagged, a Baltimore Sun staffer will investigate. Click here for more information on commenting.

Advanced Search

Matchup: Pitching

Comments (0)

ABOUT THE BLOGGERS

MORE ORIOLES INSIDER

Orioles left fielder Nate McLouth's sensational diving catch turned ugly

How would you grade Kevin Gausman's debut?

Jake Arrieta sent back to Triple-A to make room for Gausman

Before his major league debut, Orioles right-hander Kevin Gausman receives another gift of doughnuts

Chris Davis is starting to crush again