Oct 3, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy (2) scores against Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila (13) on a three RBI double by Baltimore Orioles pinch hitter Delmon Young (not pictured) during the eighth inning of game two of the 2014 ALDS playoff baseball game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
BALTIMORE — Delmon Young knocked in three runs with a pinch-double in the eighth inning and the Baltimore Orioles took a commanding two-game lead in the American League Division Series with a 7-6 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Friday.
Baltimore can complete the sweep when the series resumes with Game 3 in Detroit on Sunday.
After allowing two runs and failing to get an out the previous night, Joba Chamberlain entered in the eighth inning for the Tigers and gave up an RBI single to first baseman Steve Pearce that cut the margin to 6-4. Joakim Soria (0-1), who allowed four runs in Game 1, walked J.J. Hardy before the bases-clearing double by Young.
Orioles closer Zach Britton, who finished the regular season with 37 saves, closed out the game with a perfect ninth inning.
Designated hitter Nelson Cruz picked up another two hits for Baltimore.
Brad Brach (1-0) claimed the win for the Orioles by getting the last two outs in the eighth inning.
Detroit right-hander Justin Verlander entered the matchup 7-0 with a 2.84 ERA in eight starts at Camden Yards. He had an uneven outing, allowing three runs and six hits with four strikeouts and one walk in five innings.
J.D. Martinez homered for the second straight game and first baseman Miguel Cabrera went 3-for-4 for the Tigers. Third baseman Nick Castellanos had a solo home run for Detroit.
Baltimore right fielder Nick Markakis provided a 2-0 lead with two outs in the third inning when he roped a 3-2 pitch that landed just above the grounds crew station in right field. The play was reviewed and upheld after two minutes and 36 seconds.
The Tigers then took control with by scoring five times in the fourth inning against Orioles starter Wei-Yin Chen. After designated hitter Victor Martinez had an RBI single, J.D. Martinez hit a three-run homer, followed by another solo shot by Castellanos. A single by center fielder Rajai Davis ended Chen’s disappointing day.
Chen was charged with five runs and seven hits with three strikeouts while throwing just 57 pitchers in 3 2/3 innings — his shortest outing and the most runs he allowed since June 28 against Tampa Bay.
NOTES: Tigers CF Rajai Davis (pelvic strain) was able to start and hit ninth after taking batting practice and running without any added discomfort. Davis went 1-for-2 before leaving in the fourth inning with “tightness.” He is day to day. … Baltimore manager Buck Showalter has not officially announced a starter for Game 3 in Detroit. He is expected to make a formal decision Saturday, but it is expected to be RHP Miguel Gonzalez. LHP David Price will start for the Tigers. … The only lineup change for either team in Game 2 was Orioles C Caleb Joseph getting the start over Nick Hundley.
