GDT: 8/4/11 - DET (59-51) VS TEX (61-50) - 1:05 p.m. ET

Rangers trying to bust out of slump in Detroit finale
Tigers eye sweep in potential playoff preview

By Jon Star / MLB.com | 8/4/2011 1:34 AM ET

A matchup of division leaders comes to a conclusion on Thursday afternoon, with both the Rangers and Tigers looking to head into the weekend on a high note after a possible postseason preview.

With the first two games being decided by one run, both clubs will rely on their starting pitching to set the tone. Considering the 1:05 p.m. ET start, the Tigers may be sending the right guy to the mound in search of the sweep.

Brad Penny will take the bump under the sun for a Major League-leading 15th time this season (in 22 starts) and for the fifth consecutive outing. According to STATS, no other pitcher has more than 11 daytime starts this season. That number belongs to the Cubs' Ryan Dempster, whose club regularly plays without the need for stadium lights.

Despite the frequency, the Tigers will need Penny to pitch better than his 5.19 ERA in day games and better than in his previous outing. Penny lasted just 3 1/3 innings on July 28 against the Angels, when he surrendered seven earned runs on nine hits. He lasted at least six innings in each of his previous six starts. Penny will join Mike Maroth (2005) and Rick Porcello ('10) with the most daytime starts by a Tigers pitcher since 1974.

The Rangers will be relying on Alexi Ogando to salvage a game in this series and earn his first win since July 19. The right-hander has been solid over his last two starts but has taken losses in each outing. The biggest sticking point is to avoid the big inning.

In 13 of his starts, Ogando has allowed runs in only one inning, compared to three starts in which he gave up runs in multiple innings. Rangers manager Ron Washington acknowledged that when his right-hander appears to hit a wall in that frame, he simply needs to push through it.

"He just has to learn to fight through that one inning," Washington said.

Rangers: Young recognized for month of July
• Michael Young was one of four American League players to be nominated for the American League Player of the Month Award that ultimately went to Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia. Nevertheless, Young was a worthwhile member of the discussion after his July in which he hit .390 (41-for-105) with two home runs, 20 RBIs, 20 runs scored and 11 doubles. It was a bounce-back month for Young, who hit .273 in June after hitting .342 and .340 in April and May, respectively. Young struck out just seven times in July.

Tigers: Cabrera crushing the AL West
• The Tigers move on to face the Royals this weekend, but Miguel Cabrera may wish he could see more AL West pitching instead. The first baseman, who went 2-for-4 on Wednesday, is hitting .339 (187-for-551) -- leading all active Major Leaguers with at least 200 at-bats against the AL West -- with 31 home runs and 122 RBIs in 145 games against the division during his career.

• Brennan Boesch is hitting .336 (68-for-202) with 12 home runs, 27 RBIs and 12 doubles over his last 51 games, dating back to June 3.

Worth noting
• Jhonny Peralta is hitting .338 (21-for-62) with two home runs, 12 RBIs and four doubles in 17 games since the All-Star break.

Tigers: RHP Brad Penny (7-8, 4.89 ERA)

Two-thirds of Penny's starts have been in day games, including his past four outings. Doug Fister's arrival to Detroit's rotation gives Penny yet another afternoon of work at Comerica Park, where the Angels beat him last week.


Rangers: RHP Alexi Ogando (10-5, 2.88 ERA)

Ogando lost to the Blue Jays, 3-2, on Friday after allowing a three-run home run to J.P Arencibia. He has lost his last two starts and is now 3-3 with a 3.13 ERA in nine starts on the road this season.


Game Information


RESCHEDULED GAMES: The following is the information on the rescheduled Tigers games postponed at Comerica Park this season:
- Thursday, September 1 versus Kansas City at 1:05 p.m. (rescheduled from May 15)

INJURY UPDATE:

• RHP Joel Zumaya (right elbow olecranon fracture surgery, 60-day disabled list on March 30).
• LHP Brad Thomas (left elbow inflammation, 60-day DL on May 11)



To track MLB play-by-play, to help post GDT outcomes: http://m.mlb.com/scores/

On the Internet
MLB.TV
Gameday Audio
• Gameday
• Official Press Pass game notes

On television

•
• Direct TV Extra Innings Schedule

On radio

• ,
• XM Channel Schedule



• Friday, August 5:
Tigers (RHP Rick Porcello (11-6, 4.50 ERA)) AT
Royals (RHP Felipe Paulino (1-4, 3.51 ERA)),
8:10 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / WXYT 97.1 FM & 1270 AM)

• Saturday, August 6:
Tigers (RHP Justin Verlander (15-5, 2.24 ERA)) AT
Royals (LHP Danny Duffy (3-4, 5.05 ERA)),
7:10 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / WXYT 97.1 FM & 1270 AM)

• Sunday, August 7:
Tigers (RHP Max Scherzer (11-6, 4.23 ERA)) AT
Royals (LHP Bruce Chen (5-5, 4.37 ERA)),
2:10 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / WXYT 97.1 FM & 1270 AM)

STARTING LINEUPS:

Detroit Tigers
1. Andy Dirks, CF
2. Don Kelly, 1B
3. Brennan Boesch, LF
4. Miguel Cabrera, DH
5. Victor Martinez, C
6. Carlos Guillen, 2B
7. Wilson Betemit, 3B
8. Ryan Raburn, RF
9. Ramon Santiago, SS


Texas Rangers
1. Ian Kinsler, 2B
2. Elvin Andrus, SS
3. Josh Hamilton, LF
4. Michael Young, DH
5. Nelson Cruz, RF
6. Mike Napoli, C
7. Mitch Moreland, 1B
8. Andres Blanco, 3B
9. Endy Chavez, CF

TEX - Top 1st
B:2 S:0 O:1
Ian Kinsler flies out to left fielder Brennan Boesch.

B:4 S:2 O:1
Elvis Andrus walks.

With Josh Hamilton batting, Elvis Andrus steals (31) 2nd base.

B:3 S:2 O:1
Josh Hamilton singles on a fly ball to left fielder Brennan Boesch. Elvis Andrus to 3rd.

B:0 S:0 O:3
Michael Young grounds into double play, third baseman Wilson Betemit to second baseman Carlos Guillen to first baseman Don Kelly. Josh Hamilton out at 2nd.

DET - Bot 1st
B:3 S:3 O:1
Andy Dirks called out on .

B:1 S:0 O:2
Don Kelly flies out to center fielder Endy Chavez.

B:1 S:0 O:3
Brennan Boesch grounds out, first baseman Mitch Moreland to pitcher Alexi Ogando.

0 - 0 AFTER 1 INNING

TEX - Top 2nd
B:2 S:2 O:0
Nelson Cruz singles on a ground ball to center fielder Andy Dirks.

B:3 S:2 O:0
Mike Napoli reaches on a fielder's choice, fielded by shortstop Ramon Santiago. Nelson Cruz to 2nd.

B:0 S:0 O:2
Mitch Moreland grounds into double play, first baseman Don Kelly to shortstop Ramon Santiago to first baseman Don Kelly. Nelson Cruz scores. Mike Napoli out at 2nd. Missed catch error by catcher Victor Martinez, assist to first baseman Don Kelly.
TEX 1 - 0

B:0 S:2 O:3
Andres Blanco grounds out to first baseman Don Kelly.

DET - Bot 2nd
B:0 S:1 O:1
Miguel Cabrera grounds out, shortstop Elvis Andrus to first baseman Mitch Moreland.

B:1 S:0 O:1
Victor Martinez singles on a line drive to right fielder Nelson Cruz.

B:1 S:3 O:2
Carlos Guillen out swinging.

B:1 S:3 O:3
Wilson Betemit called out on .

TEX 1 - 0 AFTER 2 INNINGS

TEX - Top 3rd
B:0 S:2 O:1
Endy Chavez grounds out softly, pitcher Brad Penny to first baseman Don Kelly.

B:1 S:0 O:2
Ian Kinsler flies out to center fielder Andy Dirks.

B:2 S:2 O:2
Elvis Andrus singles on a line drive to right fielder Ryan Raburn.

B:0 S:0 O:3
Josh Hamilton flies out to center fielder Andy Dirks.

DET - Bot 3rd
B:1 S:3 O:1
Ryan Raburn out swinging.

B:1 S:2 O:1
Ramon Santiago singles on a line drive to center fielder Endy Chavez.

B:3 S:2 O:2
Andy Dirks lines out to left fielder Josh Hamilton.

B:1 S:0 O:3
Don Kelly grounds into a force out, shortstop Elvis Andrus to second baseman Ian Kinsler. Ramon Santiago out at 2nd.

TEX 1 - 0 AFTER 3 INNINGS

TEX - Top 4th
B:1 S:1 O:0
Michael Young singles on a ground ball to right fielder Ryan Raburn.

B:2 S:1 O:0
Nelson Cruz singles on a ground ball to center fielder Andy Dirks. Michael Young to 2nd.

B:0 S:0 O:0
Mike Napoli singles on a ground ball to center fielder Andy Dirks. Michael Young scores. Nelson Cruz to 2nd.
TEX 2 - 0

B:0 S:1 O:0
Mitch Moreland singles on a fly ball to left fielder Brennan Boesch. Nelson Cruz to 3rd. Mike Napoli to 2nd.

Coaching visit to mound.

B:2 S:0 O:1
Andres Blanco grounds into a force out, first baseman Don Kelly to catcher Victor Martinez. Nelson Cruz out at home. Mike Napoli to 3rd. Mitch Moreland to 2nd. Andres Blanco to 1st.

B:0 S:0 O:2
Endy Chavez out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Andy Dirks. Mike Napoli scores.
TEX 3 - 0

B:1 S:1 O:2
Ian Kinsler singles on a line drive to center fielder Andy Dirks. Mitch Moreland scores. Andres Blanco to 2nd.
TEX 4 - 0

B:0 S:0 O:3
Elvis Andrus flies out to right fielder Ryan Raburn.

DET - Bot 4th
B:0 S:3 O:1
Brennan Boesch out swinging.

B:0 S:3 O:2
Miguel Cabrera out swinging.

B:3 S:2 O:2
Victor Martinez singles on a line drive to left fielder Josh Hamilton.

B:1 S:3 O:3
Carlos Guillen out swinging.

TEX 4 - 0 AFTER 4 INNINGS

TEX - Top 5th
B:0 S:0 O:1
Josh Hamilton flies out to center fielder Andy Dirks.

B:2 S:1 O:2
Michael Young flies out to center fielder Andy Dirks.

B:4 S:1 O:2
Nelson Cruz walks.

B:1 S:0 O:3
Mike Napoli flies out to right fielder Ryan Raburn.

DET - Bot 5th
B:0 S:0 O:1
Wilson Betemit grounds out, shortstop Elvis Andrus to first baseman Mitch Moreland.

B:2 S:1 O:2
Ryan Raburn pops out to second baseman Ian Kinsler.

B:0 S:2 O:3
Ramon Santiago pops out to catcher Mike Napoli.

TEX 4 - 0 AFTER 5 INNINGS

TEX - Top 6th
B:0 S:2 O:1
Mitch Moreland flies out to left fielder Brennan Boesch.

B:0 S:2 O:2
Andres Blanco lines out softly to third baseman Wilson Betemit.

B:1 S:2 O:2
Endy Chavez singles on a line drive to center fielder Andy Dirks.

B:3 S:2 O:3
Ian Kinsler flies out to center fielder Andy Dirks.

DET - Bot 6th
B:1 S:1 O:0
Andy Dirks singles on a line drive to left fielder Josh Hamilton.

B:0 S:1 O:2
Don Kelly grounds into double play, shortstop Elvis Andrus to first baseman Mitch Moreland. Andy Dirks out at 2nd.

B:1 S:0 O:3
Brennan Boesch grounds out, second baseman Ian Kinsler to first baseman Mitch Moreland.

TEX 4 - 0 AFTER 6 INNINGS

TEX - Top 7th
B:1 S:2 O:1
Elvis Andrus grounds out, shortstop Ramon Santiago to first baseman Don Kelly.

B:1 S:0 O:1
Josh Hamilton singles on a ground ball to right fielder Ryan Raburn.

B:1 S:0 O:1
Michael Young triples (5) on a line drive to right fielder Ryan Raburn. Josh Hamilton scores.
TEX 5 - 0

B:1 S:0 O:2
Nelson Cruz grounds out, pitcher Brad Penny to first baseman Don Kelly.

B:4 S:1 O:2
Mike Napoli walks.

Pitcher Change: Duane Below replaces Brad Penny.

Coaching visit to mound.

B:1 S:0 O:3
Mitch Moreland pops out to third baseman Wilson Betemit in foul territory.

DET - Bot 7th
B:1 S:2 O:0
Miguel Cabrera singles on a line drive to center fielder Endy Chavez.

B:1 S:1 O:0
Victor Martinez singles on a line drive to right fielder Nelson Cruz. Miguel Cabrera to 2nd.

Coaching visit to mound.

B:2 S:0 O:1
Carlos Guillen pops out to third baseman Andres Blanco in foul territory.

B:2 S:2 O:1
Wilson Betemit singles on a ground ball to left fielder Josh Hamilton. Miguel Cabrera scores. Victor Martinez to 2nd.
TEX 5 - 1

B:0 S:0 O:1
Ryan Raburn singles on a ground ball to center fielder Endy Chavez. Victor Martinez scores. Wilson Betemit to 2nd.
TEX 5 - 2

Pitcher Change: Darren Oliver replaces Alexi Ogando.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Jhonny Peralta replaces Ramon Santiago.

Coaching visit to mound.

B:0 S:2 O:2
Jhonny Peralta pops out to shortstop Elvis Andrus on the infield fly rule.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Magglio Ordonez replaces Andy Dirks.

Pitcher Change: Koji Uehara replaces Darren Oliver.

Coaching visit to mound.

B:0 S:2 O:3
Magglio Ordonez flies out to center fielder Endy Chavez.

TEX 5 - 2 AFTER 7 INNINGS

TEX - Top 8th
Magglio Ordonez remains in the game as the right fielder.

Defensive switch from right field to center field for Ryan Raburn.

Jhonny Peralta remains in the game as the shortstop.

B:0 S:1 O:1
Andres Blanco flies out to center fielder Ryan Raburn.

B:1 S:2 O:2
Endy Chavez flies out to right fielder Magglio Ordonez.

Pitcher Change: Al Alburquerque replaces Duane Below.

Coaching visit to mound.

B:4 S:1 O:2
Ian Kinsler walks.

B:0 S:1 O:3
Elvis Andrus grounds out, shortstop Jhonny Peralta to first baseman Don Kelly.

DET - Bot 8th
Pitcher Change: Mike Adams replaces Koji Uehara.

B:1 S:2 O:1
Don Kelly grounds out, shortstop Elvis Andrus to first baseman Mitch Moreland.

B:0 S:0 O:2
Brennan Boesch grounds out, first baseman Mitch Moreland to pitcher Mike Adams.

B:1 S:0 O:2
Miguel Cabrera singles on a ground ball to center fielder Endy Chavez.

B:0 S:0 O:3
Victor Martinez grounds out, first baseman Mitch Moreland to pitcher Mike Adams.

TEX 5 - 2 AFTER 8 INNINGS

TEX - Top 9th
B:2 S:3 O:1
Josh Hamilton out swinging.

B:1 S:2 O:2
Michael Young grounds out, first baseman Don Kelly to pitcher Al Alburquerque.

B:0 S:0 O:3
Nelson Cruz flies out to center fielder Ryan Raburn.

DET - Bot 9th
Pitcher Change: Neftali Feliz replaces Mike Adams.

B:1 S:3 O:1
Carlos Guillen out swinging.

B:2 S:3 O:2
Wilson Betemit out swinging.

B:2 S:2 O:3
Ryan Raburn grounds out, third baseman Andres Blanco to first baseman Mitch Moreland.