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Orioles on deck: What to watch Sunday at Tigers

Orioles (77-64) vs. Tigers (76-65)

Where: Comerica Park

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First pitch: 1:10 p.m.

TV/Radio: MASN, TBS/105.7 The Fan

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Starting pitchers: Orioles RHP Chris Tillman (15-5, 3.76 ERA) vs. Tigers RHP Justin Verlander (14-7, 3.28 ERA)

What to watch

1. Pad that lead: The Orioles have a chance to leave Detroit with a two-game lead over the Tigers for the second wild card, and they could potentially be within one game of first place in the American League East if the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Boston Red Sox again. Don't forget about the New York Yankees, who could forge a three-way tie for the second wild card with a win and an Orioles loss.

2. Mound matchup: Friday night's matchup was a good one, but today's might be better. Chris Tillman returns from the disabled list to make his first start since Aug. 20. The Orioles need the best version of their ace, so it will be worth watching how much rust the 15-game winner needs to knock off. He'll be opposed by veteran Justin Verlander, who has turned his career back around the past two seasons. He hasn't allowed more than three earned runs since June 26 (and allowed more than two just once), posting a 2.09 ERA in 13 starts since.

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3. What sore hand? Chris Davis has 12 home runs in his past 22 games despite a bruised left hand. It might hurt, but this is the kind of home run surge that Davis has been known for since 2012.

Orioles lineup

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CF Adam Jones
RF Michael Bourn
3B Manny Machado
1B Chris Davis
DH Mark Trumbo
2B Jonathan Schoop
LF Hyun Soo Kim
SS J.J. Hardy
C  Caleb Joseph

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