Baltimore Orioles vs. Detroit Tigers Game 3: Live Score and ALDS Highlights

The Baltimore Orioles are moving on after completing a three-game sweep of the Detroit Tigers in the American League Division Series.

A two-run homer from Nelson Cruz proved to be enough for the Orioles, defeating the Tigers, 2-1, in Game 3. Detroit made one last effort in the ninth when Victor Martinez scored off of J.D. Martinez’s double. After an intentional walk to Nick Castellanos, Orioles’ pitcher Zach Britton got Hernan Perez to ground into a double play to end the threat and the game.

Some controversy took place with the Tigers threatening in the second. Alex Avila was on third with Andrew Romine at the plate. Romine beautifully placed a bunt between the mound and first base, appearing to beat the throw. He was called out and the call was upheld after Tigers' manager Brad Ausmus challenged the play, eliminating a potential scoring opportunity for the home team.

However, the real story was the pitcher's duel that took place.

Bud Norris was terrific in the first postseason start of his career, throwing 6.1 shutout innings. He allowed just two hits and walked two batters while striking out six, outdueling an equally good David Price.

Norris’ biggest accomplishment was his work against the top half of Detroit’s potent lineup. He did not allow a hit to the 1-5 hitters. His night was finished after walking Castellanos with one out in the seventh inning.

Price, who has far more postseason experience than Norris, was able to keep Baltimore’s lineup quiet for most of the game. In eight innings of work, Price allowed two runs on five hits while striking out six. He would finish throwing 112 pitches, 73 of which were strikes.

He was the third-consecutive Cy Young Award winner the Orioles faced in the ALDS.

Cruz’s home run was his eighth in nine postseason games against the Tigers. It was also his 16th-career long ball in the playoffs, which is the ninth-most in history. 

The O's will now await the winner of the ALDS between the Kansas City Royals and Los Angeles Angels. Baltimore would have home field advantage if the Royals were to advance. Game one of the ALCS is scheduled for Oct. 10.