Van Poppel mystery to O'sTodd Van Poppel, the Tigers...

DETROIT — Van Poppel mystery to O's

Todd Van Poppel, the Tigers starter today, has struggled his entire career since being a prized first-round pick by the Oakland Athletics in 1990, and carries a 7.89 ERA into his start against the Orioles.

However, none of the Orioles' sluggers have hit Van Poppel well. Cal Ripken is 2-for-18 lifetime, Rafael Palmeiro is 3-for-12 (but all three hits are homers), Hoiles is 1-for-12 and Brady Anderson is 4-for-18. Overall, the Orioles' regular starting lineup is a combined 12-for-73 (.164) lifetime vs. Van Poppel with four homers and 15 strikeouts.

Rocky Coppinger, the Orioles starter today, pitched well in his previous starts against the Tigers. Coppinger won his major-league debut on June 11 and faced the Tigers again last week, striking out a career-high 11 batters but getting a no-decision.

Pub Date: 9/15/96

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