GDT: 4/12/10 - DET (5-1) VS KC (2-4) - 1:05 p.m. ET

Hochevar, Scherzer set for rematch

By Alden Gonzalez / MLB.com

The first meeting between Royals starter Luke Hochevar and Tigers starter Max Scherzer went undecided. So, five days later, they'll do it again -- this time on Scherzer's turf.

During the second game of the 2010 season, Hochevar and Scherzer hooked up at Kauffman Stadium, and each held their opponents scoreless -- Hochevar went 7 2/3 innings, and Scherzer went six -- then left with no-decisions before the game was decided in the 12th inning, when Rick Ankiel drove in the winning run for a 3-2, walk-off victory for the Royals.

Scherzer will hope for the same type of success again, but the stats don't back him up.

Scherzer tries to improve against familiarity
The 25-year-old right-hander, acquired from the D-backs in the three-team deal that sent Curtis Granderson to the Yankees in December, faced the same team in back-to-back starts three times last year and yielded more runs the second time around each time.

Against the Giants, he gave up one run in five innings on April 19, then four runs in 4 2/3 innings on April 25. Against the Astros, he gave up four runs in five innings on Aug. 22, then five runs in six frames on Aug. 28. And against the Dodgers, he twirled a 7 2/3-innings, one-run gem on Sept. 2, then surrendered four runs in seven innings on Sept. 7.

"For me, it's really tough," Scherzer said. "I had to do it a couple times last year, and, for the most part, it was a much bigger challenge for me to face that team the second time in consecutive starts. They've seen what you've got. You've shown your strengths. They're really good about making adjustments to what your strengths are, so that's where I'm still learning how to deal with a situation like this."

Hochevar's attempted rebound looking good so far
Hochevar's ERA was a dreadful 6.55 through 25 starts in 2009, but he posted a 3.15 ERA in 20 Grapefruit League innings, then got the 2010 regular season off on the right foot. He even had success against his longtime nemesis, Miguel Cabrera, who had a streak of eight straight hits before grounding out in his first at-bat on Wednesday.

A lot of that could stem from his work polishing the changeup this spring.

"Last year, I didn't throw it very much," the 26-year-old right-hander said recently. "Now, I have a lot of confidence in it. I threw it a lot in Spring Training, and I really got a lot of good results out of it. I'm excited about that pitch. It gives me another option to kind of slow them down and get them off my fastball, and get back in counts with that pitch."




Pitching matchup

DET: RHP Max Scherzer, (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
Other than the fact that he didn't get a victory, Scherzer's first start as a Tiger couldn't have gone much better. He took a no-hit bid into the fifth inning and ended up with six innings of one-hit scoreless ball, stranding the bases loaded in the fifth with a called third strike on an inside fastball. He'll get a rematch against the Royals for his first Detroit start, this one a day game in what should be better conditions than the chilly downpour he countered in Kansas City that left him working to keep a solid grip on the ball.

KC: RHP Luke Hochevar, (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
Hochevar got off to a strong start in the season's second game, also against the Tigers. He pitched 7 2/3 shutout innings while giving up five hits and one walk. His sinker kept the Tigers whacking the ball into the dirt; he got 16 ground-ball outs and that included three double plays. Hochevar even managed to stop Miguel Cabrera, who came into the game with eight straight hits against the right-hander. Cabrera went 0-for-3 against him this time. Although the bullpen blew a 1-0 lead and Hochevar had no decision, the Royals did win in the 11th, 3-2. His career record against the Tigers remains 1-2 with his ERA lowered to 4.85 in five games.


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
•

On radio

• &
• XM Channel Schedule
• Direct TV Extra Innings Schedule


Up next (Probable Pitchers)

• Tuesday, April 13:
Tigers (LHP Dontrelle Willis (0-0, 3.00)) vs. Kansas City (RHP Brian Bannister (0-0, 1.50)), 1:05 p.m. ET

• Wednesday, April 14:
Tigers (RHP Rick Porcello (1-0, 3.60)) vs. Kansas City (RHP Kyle Davies (0-0, 4.50)), 1:05 p.m. ET

Inning 1
Top Half

B:3 S:2 O:0 -
David DeJesus singles on a ground ball to right fielder Magglio Ordonez.

B:1 S:1 O:2 - Scott Podsednik grounds into double
play, shortstop Ramon Santiago to first baseman Miguel Cabrera. David
DeJesus out at 2nd.

B:2 S:2 O:3 -
Alberto Callaspo pops out to third baseman Brandon Inge in foul territory.

0-0 after .5 inning

Bottom Half

B:1 S:2 O:0 -
Austin Jackson singles on a line drive to left fielder Scott Podsednik.

B:2 S:2 O:1 -
Johnny Damon pops out to shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt.

B:0 S:1 O:3 - Magglio Ordonez grounds into double
play, third baseman Alberto Callaspo to second baseman Chris Getz to
first baseman Billy Butler. Austin Jackson out at 2nd.

0-0 after 1 inning

Inning 2
Top Half

B:1 S:3 O:1 -
Billy Butler swinging.

B:4 S:2 O:1 -
Rick Ankiel walks.

B:3 S:2 O:1 -
Injury Delay.

B:3 S:2 O:3 - Jose Guillen lines into double play,
third baseman Brandon Inge to first baseman Miguel Cabrera. Rick Ankiel
doubled off 1st.

0-0 after 1.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:2 S:1 O:1 -
Miguel Cabrera grounds out, second baseman Chris Getz to first baseman Billy Butler.

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

B:1 S:0 O:2 -
Brandon Inge doubles (4) on a fly ball to center fielder Rick Ankiel. (400 ft)

B:1 S:1 O:3 -
Alex Avila flies out to left fielder Scott Podsednik.

0-0 after 2 innings

Inning 3
Top Half

B:0 S:2 O:1 -
Jason Kendall grounds out, second baseman Ryan Raburn to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:0 S:1 O:1 -
Yuniesky Betancourt doubles (1) on a line drive to left fielder Carlos Guillen.

B:1 S:1 O:3 -
Chris Getz lines into unassisted double play, shortstop Ramon Santiago. Yuniesky Betancourt doubled off 2nd.

0-0 after 2.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:4 S:0 O:0 -
Ryan Raburn walks.

B:1 S:3 O:1 -
Ramon Santiago swinging.

B:0 S:1 O:1 -
Austin Jackson singles on a line drive to right fielder David DeJesus. Ryan Raburn to 2nd.

B:2 S:2 O:1 -
Johnny Damon hit by pitch. Ryan Raburn to 3rd. Austin Jackson to 2nd.


B:0 S:0 O:2 - Magglio Ordonez grounds into a force out, third baseman Alberto Callaspo to second baseman Chris Getz. Ryan Raburn scores. Austin Jackson scores. Johnny Damon out at 2nd. Magglio Ordonez advances to 1st, on throwing error by second baseman Chris Getz.

DET 2, KC 0


B:2 S:1 O:3 -
Miguel Cabrera flies out to right fielder David DeJesus.

DET 2, KC 0 after 3 innings

Inning 4
Top Half

B:0 S:1 O:1 -
David DeJesus flies out to left fielder Carlos Guillen.

B:1 S:0 O:1 -
Scott Podsednik singles on a bunt ground ball to shortstop Ramon Santiago.

B:2 S:1 O:1 -
With Alberto Callaspo batting, Scott Podsednik steals (5) 2nd base.

B:4 S:2 O:1 -
Alberto Callaspo walks.

B:1 S:1 O:1 - Billy Butler doubles (1) on a line drive
to left fielder Carlos Guillen. Scott Podsednik scores. Alberto
Callaspo to 3rd.

DET 2, KC 1


B:0 S:0 O:2 - Rick Ankiel grounds out, shortstop Ramon
Santiago to first baseman Miguel Cabrera. Alberto Callaspo scores.
Billy Butler to 3rd.

KC 2, DET 2

B:3 S:2 O:2 -
Dropped foul pop error by first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:3 S:2 O:2 -
Jose Guillen homers (3) on a fly ball to left field. Billy Butler scores.

KC 4, DET 2

B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Jason Kendall singles on a ground ball to left fielder Carlos Guillen.

B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Coaching visit to mound.

B:0 S:1 O:2 -
Yuniesky Betancourt singles on a line drive to right fielder Magglio Ordonez. Jason Kendall to 3rd.

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

KC 4, DET 2 after 3.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:0 S:1 O:0 -
Carlos Guillen homers (1) on a fly ball to right field.

KC 4, DET 3



B:3 S:1 O:1 -
Brandon Inge pops out to shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt.

B:0 S:1 O:2 -
Alex Avila grounds out to first baseman Billy Butler.

B:3 S:2 O:2 -
Ryan Raburn doubles (1) on a line drive to left fielder Scott Podsednik.

B:1 S:3 O:3 -
Ramon Santiago called out on .

KC 4, DET 3 after 4 innings

Inning 5
Top Half

B:1 S:2 O:0 -
David DeJesus doubles (2) on a line drive to right fielder Magglio Ordonez.

B:1 S:0 O:0 - Scott Podsednik singles on a bunt ground
ball to pitcher Max Scherzer. David DeJesus scores. Scott Podsednik advances to 3rd, on throwing error by pitcher Max Scherzer.

KC 5, DET 3


B:1 S:3 O:1 -
Alberto Callaspo swinging.

B:3 S:2 O:2 - Billy Butler reaches on a fielder's
choice out, shortstop Ramon Santiago to catcher Alex Avila. Scott Podsednik out at home.

B:1 S:3 O:3 -
Rick Ankiel called out on .

KC 5, DET 3 after 4.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:0 S:3 O:1 -
Austin Jackson swinging.

B:1 S:2 O:2 -
Johnny Damon pops out to shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt in foul territory.

B:2 S:3 O:3 -
Magglio Ordonez swinging.

KC 5, DET 3 after 5 innings

Inning 6
Top Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Pitcher Change: Brad Thomas replaces Max Scherzer.

B:2 S:0 O:1 -
Jose Guillen grounds out, third baseman Brandon Inge to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:1 S:1 O:2 -
Jason Kendall lines out to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:4 S:1 O:2 -
Yuniesky Betancourt walks.

B:1 S:0 O:2 -
Coaching visit to mound.

B:4 S:0 O:2 -
Chris Getz walks. Yuniesky Betancourt to 2nd.

B:2 S:1 O:2 - David DeJesus singles on a line drive to
left fielder Carlos Guillen. Yuniesky Betancourt scores. Chris Getz to
3rd. David DeJesus to 2nd on the throw.

KC 6, DET 3


B:0 S:2 O:2 -
Scott Podsednik singles on a line drive to center fielder Austin Jackson. Chris Getz scores. David DeJesus scores.

KC 8, DET 3


B:3 S:1 O:3 - Alberto Callaspo grounds into a force
out, third baseman Brandon Inge to second baseman Ryan Raburn. Scott
Podsednik out at 2nd.

KC 8, DET 3 after 5.5 innings

ok, mini rally...

Bottom Half

B:4 S:1 O:0 -
Miguel Cabrera walks.

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

B:4 S:1 O:0 -
Carlos Guillen walks. Miguel Cabrera to 2nd.


B:3 S:2 O:0 -
Brandon Inge doubles (5) on a line drive to left fielder Scott Podsednik. Miguel Cabrera scores. Carlos Guillen scores.

KC 8, DET 5



B:3 S:2 O:0 -
Coaching visit to mound.

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Pitcher Change: John Parrish replaces Luke Hochevar.


B:0 S:3 O:1 -
Alex Avila swinging.

B:2 S:1 O:2 -
Ryan Raburn flies out to left fielder Scott Podsednik.

B:0 S:2 O:3 -
Ramon Santiago grounds out, pitcher John Parrish to first baseman Billy Butler.

KC 8, DET 5 after 6 innings

msgol wrote:

ok, mini rally...

very mini... but several mini's can win it!

Inning 7
Top Half

B:2 S:1 O:1 -
Billy Butler grounds out, shortstop Ramon Santiago to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:3 S:1 O:2 -
Rick Ankiel grounds out to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Jose Guillen singles on a ground ball to center fielder Austin Jackson.

B:0 S:2 O:3 -
Jason Kendall flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson.

KC 8, DET 5 after 6.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:0 S:2 O:1 -
Austin Jackson flies out to right fielder David DeJesus.

B:2 S:2 O:2 -
Johnny Damon flies out to left fielder Scott Podsednik.

B:0 S:0 O:3 -
Magglio Ordonez flies out to center fielder Rick Ankiel.

KC 8, DET 5 after 7 innings

Inning 8
Top Half

B:0 S:1 O:1 -
Yuniesky Betancourt grounds out, shortstop Ramon Santiago to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:4 S:2 O:1 -
Chris Getz walks.

B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Pitcher Change: Fu-Te Ni replaces Brad Thomas.

B:2 S:2 O:1 -
With David DeJesus batting, wild pitch by Fu-Te Ni, Chris Getz to 2nd.

B:2 S:3 O:2 -
David DeJesus swinging.

B:1 S:2 O:2 -
Scott Podsednik singles on a line drive to center fielder Austin Jackson. Chris Getz scores.

KC 9, DET 5


B:2 S:2 O:2 -
Alberto Callaspo reaches on fielding error by second baseman Ryan Raburn. Scott Podsednik to 2nd.

B:2 S:0 O:2 -
Billy Butler singles on a line drive to left fielder Carlos Guillen. Scott Podsednik scores. Alberto Callaspo to 2nd.

KC 10, DET 5

B:1 S:1 O:2 -
Rick Ankiel reaches on throwing error by catcher Alex Avila. Alberto Callaspo to 3rd. Billy Butler to 2nd.

B:3 S:3 O:3 -
Jose Guillen swinging.


KC 10, DET 5 after 7.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Defensive Substitution: Mitch Maier replaces left fielder Scott Podsednik, batting 2nd, playing left field.

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Pitcher Change: Kyle Farnsworth replaces John Parrish.

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Miguel Cabrera singles on a ground ball to left fielder Mitch Maier.

B:2 S:1 O:0 -
Carlos Guillen singles on a line drive to second baseman Chris Getz. Miguel Cabrera to 2nd.


B:1 S:2 O:1 -
Brandon Inge lines out to pitcher Kyle Farnsworth.

B:2 S:1 O:2 -
Alex Avila flies out to left fielder Mitch Maier.

B:1 S:1 O:2 -
Ryan Raburn hit by pitch. Miguel Cabrera to 3rd. Carlos Guillen to 2nd.

B:1 S:1 O:2 -
Coaching visit to mound.

B:2 S:2 O:3 -
Ramon Santiago pops out to shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt.

KC 10, DET 5 after 8 innings

Inning 9
Top Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Jason Kendall doubles (3) on a line drive to left fielder Carlos Guillen.

B:3 S:1 O:1 -
Yuniesky Betancourt lines out to shortstop Ramon Santiago.

B:3 S:3 O:2 -
Chris Getz swinging.

B:0 S:0 O:3 -
David DeJesus pops out to third baseman Brandon Inge in foul territory.

KC 10, DET 5 after 8.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Pitcher Change: Dusty Hughes replaces Kyle Farnsworth.

B:1 S:1 O:1 -
Austin Jackson grounds out, third baseman Alberto Callaspo to first baseman Billy Butler.

B:4 S:2 O:1 -
Johnny Damon walks.

B:3 S:2 O:2 -
Magglio Ordonez flies out to center fielder Rick Ankiel.

B:1 S:0 O:2 -
With Miguel Cabrera batting, Johnny Damon advances to 2nd on defensive indifference.

B:2 S:1 O:3 -
Miguel Cabrera flies out to right fielder David DeJesus.

KC 10, DET 5 final score

BOX SCORE>