If anyone forgot that the Orioles were supposed to hold the advantage over the Tigers in bullpens and defense in the American League Division Series, tonight provided a sharp reminder. Sharp enough to carve out a 1-0 series lead. The Orioles scored eight runs in the bottom of the eighth inning, their largest total of the season, and took advantage of a huge error by shortstop Andrew Romine in a 12-3 rout before 47,842 at Camden Yards. Fans waved orange towels all night. The Tigers were ready...

Amid the crush of the Orioles postgame clubhouse, Nick Markakis talked about playing and winning the first playoff game of his career. "Awesome," Markakis said. "Everything you want it to be. We play for the people that come here and they supported us. It was everything you work for. We want to thank the best fans in baseball. They showed it tonight." Markakis had played the third-most games (1,365) of any active player before making his playoff debut. Meanwhile, as he has often this...

We're back and ready for baseball! Olivia and Bobby here with you for the Game 1 of the NLDS. Like we blogged yesterday, we'll be here all through the series, bringing you behind-the-scenes looks at the Nationals. So, be sure to follow along with MASN on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat. We'll keep updating this blog, so check in throughout the day to see what's new leading up to and during the game. Let's get started! 9 a.m. - Bobby - As expected, Stephen Strasburg will get...

In the end it turned into a rout. Using a familiar formula that led them to 96 wins and a division championship, the Orioles beat the Tigers 12-3 tonight to take Game 1 of the American League Division Series. A frenzied crowd of 47,842 roared its approval at Camden Yards. The Orioles got a solid starting pitching performance from Chris Tillman, homers from Nelson Cruz and J.J. Hardy, a clutch hit from Nick Markakis and solid bullpen work in the victory. They also scored eight runs and...

We have a Kate Upton sighting at Camden Yards. I keep telling her not to bother me at work, but she won't listen. The struggle is real. Chris Tillman has made it through five innings tonight with his pitch count at 105. He retired 11 in a row following the back-to-back home runs by Victor and J.D. Martinez in the second inning before Andrew Romine singled with two outs in the fifth. Rajai Davis also singled and Ian Kinsler walked to load the bases, but Torii Hunter bounced into a force at...

The Orioles got sentimental today before Game 1 of the American League Division Series, arranging for injured third baseman Manny Machado to throw the ceremonial first pitch to injured catcher Matt Wieters. Soon after, Nelson Cruz got serious and put a hurting on the Tigers. Cruz hit a two-run homer on the first pitch thrown to him by Max Scherzer to give the Orioles a 2-0 lead. The Tigers tied the score in the second on back-to-back home runs by Victor Martinez and J.D. Martinez, raising...

Giants manager Bruce Bochy had nothing but compliments for the Nationals in his Thursday afternoon media session. But that's what you'd expect from a wise veteran manager who is more interested in preparing his club for the National League Division Series than lighting a fire under the opposition. "They have the best record in the National League," Bochy said of the Nats. "You know, they have such a balanced club, starting pitching, bullpen, their lineup. You know, they have been tough on...

The Orioles' long wait for the playoffs is finally over. They are hosting the Detroit Tigers today in Game 1 of the American League Division Series. These clubs have never met in the postseason. The Orioles won the AL East, going 96-66, including a mark of 50-31 at home. The Tigers won the AL Central, going 90-72, including a mark of 45-36 on the road. The O's pitchers have the task of trying to contain a Detroit offense that led the AL in batting average (.277), OBP (.331) and slugging...

The Orioles have finished batting practice and the Tigers are taking their turn in the cage. Ubaldo Jimenez stopped to sign a few autographs before ducking inside the clubhouse. A brutal season has taken a turn upward for him, capped by his inclusion on the Division Series roster. "I was wondering because I didn't know what was going to happen," he said. "I finished strong, but I didn't know. I realize that all of the guys have been doing their jobs, so it was a tough call, but I was...

Some notes and quotes from the Tigers' press conference earlier today with manager Brad Ausmus and Game 2 starter Justin Verlander. Ausmus talked about outfielder Rajai Davis, who has a sprained pelvic ligament that forced him out of Saturday's game against the Twins. He is starting today and batting ninth in center field. "We got here this morning at 8:30 and he got some treatment done," Ausmus said. "We took him outside and he did some agility drills. He looked fine and he said he felt...