Detroit @ Texas preview
Choctaw Stadium
Last Meeting ( Apr 25, 2010 ) Detroit 4, Texas 8
Combining for 33 runs and 57 hits in the first three games of a four-game series, offense certainly hasn’t been an issue for the Detroit Tigers or Texas Rangers.
However, both teams would like to see pitching play a more prominent role in the series finale on Monday night. The Rangers go for the series win with left-hander Matt Harrison on the mound, while the Tigers counter with right-hander Jeremy Bonderman.
Texas has yet to win a game in which Harrison started this season.
Harrison let one slip away in his last start against the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday. Staked with a 4-0 lead, Harrison gave up three home runs - including a grand slam to J.D. Drew - and exited the game after four-plus innings, allowing six runs on five hits with three walks.
The hurler has also struggled against the Tigers in his two career starts, going 0-2 with a 7.59 ERA.
Offensively, the Rangers have played well, especially on Sunday. Michael Young had five RBIs and Elvis Andrus reached base safely for the eighth consecutive game by drawing a pair of walks. Vladimir Guerrero extended his hit streak to five games and David Murphy homered for the first time this season - blasting a two-run home run in the first inning.
Recently recalled first baseman Justin Smoak has shown patience at the plate, too. He drew a walk on Sunday, becoming the first player in team history to walk in his first three career games. Still, Smoak is seeking his first big league hit Monday night.
The Rangers will have their work cut out against Bonderman, who is coming off his best start of the season against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on Wednesday.
After giving up three runs to the first five batters in the first inning, Bonderman - using his fastball, slider and newly developed splitter - keyed in and allowed only an infield single to the next 19 batters. In the end, he went six innings and allowed three runs on three hits with five strikeouts in what resulted in Detroit's 4-3 victory.
In six career starts against Texas, Bonderman is 2-1 with a 4.71 ERA.
Detroit hasn't been shy with its bats, either.
Currently riding a 12-game hitting streak, Johnny Damon leads the American League with a .419 batting average and a .554 on-base percentage.
Austin Jackson belted his first major league home run on Sunday, leading off the game with a solo shot. It was the first home run off the Texas pitching staff in 34 2/3 innings.
Finally, regardless of Monday’s outcome, Detroit will end its 11-game, 11-day road trip with a losing record. They are currently 4-6, losing two of three to Seattle, splitting a four-game series with the Angels and down 1-2 to the Rangers.