Detroit Tigers (26-34) vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (37-25)
When: 6:40 p.m.
Where: Comerica Park in Detroit.
TV: Bally Sports Detroit.
Radio: 97.1 FM in Detroit (Tigers radio affiliates).
Starting pitchers: Detroit Tigers Michael Lorenzen (2-2, 3.21 ERA) vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Merrill Kelly (7-3, 2.80 ERA)
Tigers lineup: TBA.
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Game notes: After playing last year’s World Series runner-ups, the Tigers are looking at another tough opponent from the National League as the Arizona Diamondbacks come into town.
The Tigers missed out on their day off in between the two series after the game with the Philadelphia Phillies was cancelled on Wednesday because of smoke from the Canadian wild fires and was moved to Thursday. The smoke cleared up enough for the Tigers to get the game in, but they lost a heartbreaker in the bottom of the ninth after taking the lead just a few minutes earlier.
It’s been a real rough stretch for the Tigers lately. After losing star center fielder Riley Greene to the injured list, as well as right fielder Matt Vierling and ace Eduardo Rodriguez, not much has gone right. The Tigers have been swept in consecutive series against the Chicago White Sox and Phillies and have lost six of their seven games without Greene.
What’s more, the Tigers offense has been abysmal as of late, with the team barely escaping multiple no-hitter bids. Detroit has averaged just 1.57 runs per game in the seven contests without Greene. He’s an important player, but something else has changed and the Tigers need to figure out what it is.
The good news for Detroit: They’ve got Michael Lorenzen on the mound, who’s been really good in his first year with the Tigers. In his last seven games, Lorenzen has a 2.64 ERA with 31 strikeouts and nine walks. He’s pitched 41⅓ innings in those seven games and has shown an impressive ability to go late into outings.
The Tigers will need every out Lorenzen can get, because they’ll be facing Merrill Kelly, who has been red hot this season. Kelly is 6-0 in his last seven starts with just a 2.44 ERA in those outings. The Diamondbacks have been playing some great baseball themselves, winning eight of their last 10 games.
The Tigers will have their hands full in this game and this series with the National League-foe.