GDT: 5/26/10 - DET (25-20) AT SEA (17-28) - 3:40 p.m. ET

Pitching key for Tigers, Mariners in finale

By Doug Miller / MLB.com

One of the main reasons the Tigers have been staying close to the top in the American League Central has been their bullpen. And one of the reasons the Mariners' pitching staff has been one of the best in baseball is starter Jason Vargas.

In Wednesday's finale of a two-game set at Safeco Field, the Tigers would prefer a complete-game win from starter Jeremy Bonderman -- but they will likely be very happy with a quality start and the continued excellent work by their relief corps.

Through the team's first 44 games this season, Tigers relievers have compiled an 11-4 record and a 2.34 ERA (146 innings pitched, 38 earned runs). Their ERA leads the AL, and the team is 16-0 when it has a lead through six innings.

How are they doing it, exactly? Manager Jim Leyland has some ideas.

"I think people really underestimated [lefty reliever] Phil Coke a little bit," Leyland said. "People, including myself, were not sure about the health of [Joel] Zumaya, but if you remember, in Spring Training, I said that if Zumaya's healthy, we're probably going to have a pretty good bullpen.

"Also, we picked up [Brad] Thomas, who all of a sudden has come into his own a little bit and done a good job, [Ryan] Perry has some experience under his belt, he's still a young kid and still learning, and [Eddie] Bonine has worked out exactly how we hoped until this point. He's been a savior for us. He's done a [heck] of a job."

Leyland didn't even mention closer Jose Valverde, who has not allowed a run in his past 19 outings and is tied for fourth in the AL with 11 saves.

As for the Mariners, their offensive struggles have made it a bit tougher to realize how good their pitching has been, and Vargas has been a huge part of that.

In his previous outing, the left-hander continued to shine, holding the hot-hitting Toronto Blue Jays to three earned runs on five hits in 6 2/3 innings, marking the only time Vargas has given up more than four hits in his past six starts. Vargas -- who has never faced Detroit -- also leads the AL with a .193 opponents batting average.

Vargas' comments after that game speak well to summing up his surprisingly dominant season so far.

"I felt good," Vargas said. "For the most part, I was trying to get ahead early and let them swing the bat."

Tigers: Bonderman comes back home
Bonderman, a native of Pasco, Wash., will make his second start this year in his home state. The first one, on April 16, didn't go so well -- Bonderman gave up 10 runs (eight earned) in four innings against the Mariners. But the right-hander has turned it around since then, notching three straight quality starts. He's 5-4 with a 5.51 ERA in 11 career starts against Seattle. ... The Tigers have collected at least one extra-base hit in 41 of 44 games this season.

Mariners: Sweeney close to milestone
Designated hitter Mike Sweeney, who's batting .433 (13-for-30) with five homers, 11 RBIs and five runs in his past nine games, needs three RBIs to get to 900 for his career. He'll become the 26th active player in the Majors with 900 or more RBIs. Teammate Ken Griffey Jr. leads all active players with 1,836 RBIs. Sweeney is hitting .160 (4-for-25) in his career against Bonderman, although one of those hits was a homer.

Worth noting
Rehabbing Tigers infielder Carlos Guillen played a full game at second base Tuesday for Triple-A Toledo and hit three doubles. His 3-for-5 performance improves his batting record to 5-for-14 through four games of his rehab assignment. Guillen has been on the disabled list since April 23, when he pulled his left hamstring running the bases.

... Mariners first baseman Casey Kotchman played his 224th straight game Tuesday without making an error. He's only the second first baseman in Major League history to surpass 200 straight games without an error, trailing only Kevin Youkilis' big league-record 238-game streak from 2006-08.



Pitching matchup

Tigers: RHP Jeremy Bonderman (2-2, 4.43 ERA)
Bonderman comes back to his home state for the second time in just over a month with a chance for revenge after the Mariners roughed him up for 10 runs, eight earned, over four innings in April. What he's really seeking, though, is a continuing of a very solid May in which he has three quality starts in as many starting assignments and has honed the bite on his slider. He struck out eight Athletics while holding Oakland to a run on three hits over six innings on Thursday for his first victory since April 10. Opponents are batting just .219 with a .561 OPS against him in day games this year, compared with .253 and .684 at night.

Mariners: LHP Jason Vargas (3-2, 3.08 ERA)
His five-run season-debut aside, Vargas has been excellent, posting six-straight quality starts. He pitched well enough to win in his last outing but took a no-decision after the Mariners made a ninth-inning comeback to top Toronto, 4-3, and he's just 1-1 in May despite giving up nine runs in 27 2/3 innings across four starts.



From MLB Tigers Game Notes


RECENT RESULTS: The Tigers suffered a 5-3 loss to the Mariners last night at Safeco Field. Justin Verlander (5-3) took the loss for Detroit after allowing five runs in 7.1 innings pitched. Brandon Inge singled and belted a solo home run for the Tigers, while Austin Jackson added a run-scoring double. Danny Worth finished with a run-scoring single for Detroit. The Tigers conclude a seven-game road trip with the final game of a two-game series at Seattle this afternoon. Following an off day tomorrow, the club opens a sevengame homestand against Oakland and Cleveland on Friday night.

WINNING OVER THE WEST: The Tigers have compiled a 32-21 record against clubs from the American League’s West Division since the start of the 2009 season. Detroit’s .604 winning percentage against the American League’s West Division is second-best among league clubs since the start of the 2009 season. The Yankees have compiled a 31-19 record, a .620 winning percentage, versus the American League’s West Division.

ACTION JACKSON TAKES HIS SHOW ON THE ROAD: Austin Jackson has hit safely in 23 of his 24 games on the road this season, batting .356 (37x104) with eight doubles, three triples, a home run and seven RBI. He is fifth among all American League players with a .356 batting average on the road this season.

PAPA GRANDE POWERS THE PEN: Jose Valverde has not allowed a run in his last 19 outings for the Tigers, tossing 18.2 scoreless innings. He is tops among all American League relievers with a .127 batting average against, while he is second with a 0.46 ERA and tied for fourth with 11 saves.

ORDONEZ ON THE OFFENSIVE: Magglio Ordonez is batting .471 (16x34) with 10 runs scored, two home runs and seven RBI over his last 10 games dating back to May 13. He is tops among all American League players with a .471 batting average and .558 on-base percentage during the stretch.

BOESCH’S BOOST: Brennan Boesch is hitting .349 (30x86) with nine doubles, two triples, four home runs and 21 RBI over his last 23 games dating back to April 28. He is tied for third among all American League players with 15 extra-base hits during that stretch, while he is tied for fourth with 21 RBI, tied for eighth and a .640 slugging percentage and is 10th with a .349 batting average.

AUSTIN ADDING UP THE HITS: Austin Jackson has hit safely in 36 of his first 43 major league games. He is just the second Tigers player since at least 1920 to collect at least one hit in at least 36 of his first 43 career games. Dale Alexander hit safely in 36 of his first 43 career games in 1929.

LOOKING AT THE ROOKIE LEADERS: Austin Jackson and Brennan Boesch have both enjoyed success during their rookie campaigns. Jackson is tops among all American League rookies with 31 runs scored and 60 hits, while he is second with a .333 batting average. Boesch is leading all league rookies with a .337 batting average and 22 RBI, while he is tied for the lead with four home runs and is second with 33 hits.

BULLISH BEHAVIOR: Through the club’s first 45 games this season, Tigers relievers have compiled an 11-4 record and 2.33 ERA (146.2IP/38ER). Tigers relievers lead the American League a 2.33 ERA, while the club is second with 11 victories and 146.2 innings pitched.

EXTRA, EXTRA: The Tigers have collected at least one extra-base hit in 42 of the club’s 45 games this season. Detroit is fourth among all American League clubs with 143 extrabase hits this season. Additionally, the Tigers are third in the league with 100 doubles.

TIGERS-INDIANS GAME RESCHEDULED: The Tigers game at Cleveland postponed due to rain on May 7 has been rescheduled for Saturday, July 17 at 1:05 p.m. The game will be part of a day-night doubleheader with the night game being the regularly scheduled game at 7:05 p.m.

GUILLEN’S INJURY REHAB ASSIGNMENT WITH TOLEDO: Carlos Guillen joined Triple A Toledo to begin an injury rehabilitation assignment on Saturday. He has played in four games with the Mud Hens, hitting .357 (5x14) with five runs scored, three doubles, a home run, two RBI and three walks. Guillen has been sidelined since April 23 with a left hamstring strain.


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Up next (Probable Pitchers)

• Thursday, May 27: OFF DAY

• Friday, May 28
Tigers (LHP Dontrelle Willis (1-2, 4.97 ERA)) VS Athletics (RHP Ben Sheets (2-3, 5.04 ERA)), 7:05 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / 1270 & 97.1)

• Saturday, May 29
Tigers (RHP Rick Porcello (4-4, 5.58 ERA)) VS Athletics (To be announced ), 7:05 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / 1270 & 97.1)

• Sunday, May 30
Tigers (RHP Armando Galarraga (1-1, 5.23) ERA)) VS Athletics (LHP Dallas Braden (4-4, 3.23 ERA)), 1:05 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / 1270 & 97.1)

• Monday, May 31
Tigers (RHP Justin Verlander (5-3, 3.74 ERA)) VS Athletics (RHP Trevor Cahill (2-2, 3.68 ERA)), 1:05 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / 1270 & 97.1)

STARTING LINEUPS:

TIGERS

1. Jackson, CF
   
2. Damon, DH
   
3. Raburn, 1B
   
4. Ordonez, RF
   
5. Boesch, LF
   
6. Inge, 3B
   
7. Laird, C
   
8. Worth, 2B
   
9. Everett, SS
   

P: Jeremy Bonderman

MARINERS

1. Ichiro, RF
   
2. Chone Figgins, 2B
   
3. Franklin Gutierrez, CF
   
4. Milton Bradley, DH
   
5. Mike Sweeney, 1B
   
6. Jose Lopez, 3B
   
7. Josh Bard, C
   
8. Josh Wilson, SS
   
9. Michael Saunders, LF
   

P: Jason Vargas

Inning 1
Top Half

B:2 S:2 O:1 -
Austin Jackson grounds out, pitcher Jason Vargas to first baseman Mike Sweeney.

B:2 S:2 O:2 -
Johnny Damon flies out to left fielder Michael Saunders.

B:1 S:2 O:2 -
Ryan Raburn singles on a ground ball to left fielder Michael Saunders.

B:1 S:2 O:3 - Magglio Ordonez doubles (9) on a line
drive to right fielder Ichiro Suzuki. Ryan Raburn out at home on the
throw, right fielder Ichiro Suzuki to catcher Josh Bard.

0-0 AFTER .5 INNING

Bottom Half

B:0 S:1 O:1 -
Ichiro Suzuki flies out to left fielder Brennan Boesch in foul territory.

B:4 S:2 O:1 -
Chone Figgins walks.


B:4 S:0 O:1 -
Franklin Gutierrez walks. Chone Figgins to 2nd.

B:0 S:0 O:2 - Milton Bradley grounds into a force out,
second baseman Danny Worth to shortstop Adam Everett. Chone Figgins to
3rd. Franklin Gutierrez out at 2nd. Milton Bradley to 1st.

B:1 S:2 O:3 - Mike Sweeney grounds into a force out,
third baseman Brandon Inge to second baseman Danny Worth. Milton
Bradley out at 2nd.

0-0 AFTER 1 INNING

Inning 2
Top Half

B:1 S:2 O:0 -
Brennan Boesch singles on a ground ball to second baseman Chone Figgins.

B:3 S:3 O:1 -
Brandon Inge swinging.

B:0 S:1 O:1 -
With Gerald Laird batting, Brennan Boesch advances to 2nd on a balk.

B:0 S:2 O:1 -
Gerald Laird singles on a ground ball to shortstop Josh Wilson.


B:2 S:1 O:2 -
Danny Worth pops out to third baseman Jose Lopez on the infield fly rule.

B:2 S:3 O:3 -
Adam Everett swinging.

0-0 AFTER 1.5 INNINGS

Bottom Half

B:2 S:3 O:1 -
Jose Lopez swinging.

B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Josh Bard reaches on fielding error by pitcher Jeremy Bonderman. Josh Bard to 2nd.

B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Injury Delay - Bard.

B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Offensive Substitution: Pinch runner Rob Johnson replaces Josh Bard.

B:1 S:0 O:1 -
Josh Wilson singles on a line drive to left fielder Brennan Boesch. Rob Johnson to 3rd.


B:2 S:1 O:1 -
Michael Saunders singles on a soft line drive to left fielder Brennan Boesch. Rob Johnson scores. Josh Wilson to 2nd.

SEA 1, DET 0



B:0 S:1 O:3 - Ichiro Suzuki grounds into double play,
shortstop Adam Everett to second baseman Danny Worth to first baseman
Ryan Raburn. Michael Saunders out at 2nd.

SEA 1, DET 0 AFTER 2 INNINGS

Inning 3
Top Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Rob Johnson remains in the game as the catcher.

B:1 S:3 O:1 -
Austin Jackson swinging.

B:4 S:1 O:1 -
Johnny Damon walks.

B:1 S:2 O:2 -
Ryan Raburn flies out to center fielder Franklin Gutierrez.

B:1 S:1 O:2 -
Magglio Ordonez homers (7) on a fly ball to left field. Johnny Damon scores.

DET 2, SEA 1


B:3 S:2 O:2 -
Brennan Boesch doubles (11) on a fly ball to center fielder Franklin Gutierrez.

B:1 S:2 O:3 -
Brandon Inge flies out to center fielder Franklin Gutierrez.

DET 2, SEA 1 AFTER 2.5 INNINGS

Bottom Half

B:0 S:3 O:1 -
Chone Figgins called out on .

B:2 S:3 O:2 -
Franklin Gutierrez called out on .

B:1 S:0 O:2 -
Milton Bradley hit by pitch.


B:1 S:0 O:2 -
Injury Delay.

B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Mike Sweeney singles on a ground ball to left fielder Brennan Boesch. Milton Bradley to 2nd.

B:2 S:1 O:3 -
Jose Lopez grounds out, catcher Gerald Laird to first baseman Ryan Raburn.

DET 2, SEA 1 AFTER 3 INNINGS

Inning 4
Top Half

B:0 S:1 O:1 -
Gerald Laird grounds out, shortstop Josh Wilson to first baseman Mike Sweeney.

B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Danny Worth flies out to right fielder Ichiro Suzuki in foul territory.

B:4 S:1 O:2 -
Adam Everett walks.

B:1 S:0 O:2 -
Austin Jackson singles on a line drive to center fielder Franklin Gutierrez. Adam Everett to 2nd.

B:1 S:2 O:3 -
Johnny Damon grounds out softly, shortstop Josh Wilson to first baseman Mike Sweeney.

DET 2, SEA 1 AFTER 3.5 INNINGS

Bottom Half

B:1 S:0 O:1 -
Rob Johnson flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson.

B:2 S:1 O:2 -
Josh Wilson grounds out, shortstop Adam Everett to first baseman Ryan Raburn.

B:1 S:0 O:3 -
Michael Saunders pops out to third baseman Brandon Inge in foul territory.

DET 2, SEA 1 AFTER 4 INNINGS

Inning 5
Top Half

B:3 S:2 O:1 -
Ryan Raburn flies out to center fielder Franklin Gutierrez.

B:3 S:2 O:2 -
Magglio Ordonez grounds out to first baseman Mike Sweeney.

B:2 S:2 O:3 -
Brennan Boesch flies out to left fielder Michael Saunders.

DET 2, SEA 1 AFTER 4.5 INNINGS

Bottom Half

B:0 S:3 O:1 -
Ichiro Suzuki swinging.

B:1 S:3 O:2 -
Chone Figgins swinging.

B:3 S:2 O:2 -
Franklin Gutierrez singles on a ground ball to second baseman Danny Worth.

B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Milton Bradley singles on a line drive to left fielder Brennan Boesch. Franklin Gutierrez to 2nd.

B:0 S:2 O:3 -
Mike Sweeney grounds out, shortstop Adam Everett to first baseman Ryan Raburn.

DET 2, SEA 1 AFTER 5 INNINGS

Inning 6
Top Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Pitcher Change: Ryan Rowland-Smith replaces Jason Vargas.

B:0 S:3 O:1 -
Brandon Inge swinging.

B:1 S:0 O:2 -
Gerald Laird lines out to second baseman Chone Figgins.

B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Danny Worth reaches on fielding error by third baseman Jose Lopez.

B:2 S:2 O:2 -
Adam Everett doubles (5) on a line drive to left fielder Michael Saunders. Danny Worth scores.

DET 3, SEA 1


B:2 S:2 O:2 -
Coaching visit to mound.

B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Pitcher Change: Brandon League replaces Ryan Rowland-Smith.


B:0 S:1 O:2 -
Austin Jackson singles on a line drive to right fielder Ichiro Suzuki. Adam Everett scores.

DET 4, SEA 1


B:1 S:0 O:2 -
With Johnny Damon batting, Austin Jackson steals (7) 2nd base.

B:1 S:1 O:3 -
Johnny Damon lines out to left fielder Michael Saunders.

DET 4, SEA 1 AFTER 5.5 INNINGS

Bottom Half

B:1 S:2 O:1 -
Jose Lopez grounds out, third baseman Brandon Inge to first baseman Ryan Raburn.

B:3 S:3 O:2 -
Rob Johnson swinging.

B:1 S:2 O:3 -
Josh Wilson pops out to shortstop Adam Everett.

DET 4, SEA 1 AFTER 6 INNINGS

Inning 7
Top Half

B:2 S:3 O:1 -
Ryan Raburn swinging.

B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Magglio Ordonez singles on a ground ball to left fielder Michael Saunders.

B:1 S:3 O:2 -
Brennan Boesch swinging.

B:0 S:0 O:3 -
Brandon Inge flies out to right fielder Ichiro Suzuki.


Bottom Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Defensive Substitution: Don Kelly replaces left fielder Brennan Boesch, batting 5th, playing left field.

B:1 S:2 O:1 -
Michael Saunders grounds out sharply, first baseman Ryan Raburn to pitcher Jeremy Bonderman.

B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Coaching visit to mound.

B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Ichiro Suzuki grounds out, shortstop Adam Everett to first baseman Ryan Raburn.

B:1 S:0 O:3 -
Chone Figgins pops out to catcher Gerald Laird in foul territory.

DET 4, SEA 1 AFTER 7 INNINGS

Inning 8
Top Half

B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Gerald Laird grounds out softly, third baseman Jose Lopez to first baseman Mike Sweeney.

B:3 S:2 O:2 -
Danny Worth grounds out, shortstop Josh Wilson to first baseman Mike Sweeney.

B:2 S:1 O:3 -
Adam Everett grounds out, third baseman Jose Lopez to first baseman Mike Sweeney.


Bottom Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Pitcher Change: Ryan Perry replaces Jeremy Bonderman.

B:3 S:2 O:0 -
Franklin Gutierrez singles on a line drive to center fielder Austin Jackson.

B:1 S:3 O:1 -
Milton Bradley swinging.

B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Mike Sweeney homers (6) on a fly ball to left center field. Franklin Gutierrez scores.
DET 4, SEA 3



B:1 S:0 O:1 -
Jose Lopez singles on a line drive to left fielder Don Kelly.

B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Coaching visit to mound.

B:3 S:2 O:1 -
Rob Johnson doubles (3) on a line drive to left fielder Don Kelly. Jose Lopez to 3rd.

B:1 S:1 O:1 - Josh Wilson singles on a line drive to
left fielder Don Kelly. Jose Lopez scores. Rob Johnson scores. Josh
Wilson to 2nd on the throw.

SEA 5, DET 4



B:1 S:1 O:1 -
Coaching visit to mound.

B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Pitcher Change: Phil Coke replaces Ryan Perry.

B:2 S:3 O:2 -
Michael Saunders swinging.

B:1 S:3 O:3 -
Ichiro Suzuki swinging.

SEA 5, DET 4 AFTER 8 INNINGS

Inning 9
Top Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Defensive Substitution: Casey Kotchman replaces first baseman Mike Sweeney, batting 5th, playing first base.

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Pitcher Change: David Aardsma replaces Brandon League.

B:3 S:2 O:1 -
Austin Jackson flies out to center fielder Franklin Gutierrez.

B:1 S:3 O:2 -
Johnny Damon swinging.

B:3 S:2 O:3 -
Ryan Raburn flies out to right fielder Ichiro Suzuki.

SEA 5, DET 4 FINAL BOX SCORE >>