GDT: 5/29/10 - DET (25-22) VS OAK (26-23) - 7:05 p.m. ET

GDT: 5/29/10 - DET (25-22) VS OAK (26-23) - 7:05 p.m. ET

--- VS --- GDT: 5/29/10 - DET (25-22) VS OAK (26-23) - 7:05 p.m. ET 3594432103_bc8649c9d0_t

Detroit Tigers vs Oakland Athletics
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Comerica Park, Detroit, MI
Game Time - 7:05 p.m. EDT

GDT: 5/29/10 - DET (25-22) VS OAK (26-23) - 7:05 p.m. ET 4589033446_825e5b74db_t

GDT: 5/29/10 - DET (25-22) VS OAK (26-23) - 7:05 p.m. ET 4589033446_825e5b74db_t

______________________________________

Starters seeking comeback of sorts in Detroit

By John Schlegel / MLB.com

One of the American League's top rookies in 2009 has had trouble getting his game going on the mound in 2010, while another has had trouble staying on the mound, period.

When the Tigers' Rick Porcello and the Athletics' Brett Anderson square off in the second game of a four-game set at Comerica Park on Saturday, the 21-year-old Porcello will make his 10th start of his sophomore season and the 22-year-old Anderson will be back after missing about a month on the disabled list with a forearm strain and elbow inflammation.

Porcello, who finished third behind the A's Andrew Bailey and the Rangers' Elvis Andrus in AL Rookie of the Year balloting last year, is coming off just his third quality start of the season. He battled through for the victory at Dodger Stadium and took two shots off comebackers, one in the right forearm and the other off the back of his right leg.

"I threw a little bit off the mound today, and it feels good, so it should be fine," Porcello said Friday.

Porcello isn't making a big deal about the injuries or bouncing back from them. He's just glad he's still able to pitch.

"I don't really put much emphasis on the balls hit back at me," he said. "I don't really care about that. But I'm definitely eager to get back out there, as always, and hopefully get us a win."

Meanwhile, Anderson threw all of his pitches without discomfort in a 30-pitch bullpen session Thursday and was fine the following day. The club will make the official move before Saturday's game.

Anderson, who signed a four-year contract extension just days before going on the DL, was limited to 57 pitches over three innings, and A's manager Bob Geren hopes to get him closer to the 80-pitch range Saturday.

Athletics: Lineup juggling for big picture
In the middle of a string of 20 consecutive games, including 13 on the road, Geren showed Friday he's looking at the big picture. He used a lineup not seen before this season, with Kurt Suzuki making his first DH appearance and right fielder Ryan Sweeney taking a day off after playing 44 of the first 49 games. Things likely will be back to normal Saturday, with Suzuki back behind the plate and Sweeney, batting .342 with 10 RBIs over his last 19 games, back in the No. 3 spot in the order. Shortstop Cliff Pennington, who sat the past two games after playing the club's first 47 contests, will be back in the lineup as well. "You have to pace all your guys throughout the season," Geren said Friday. "It's nice to have a flexible roster that allows us to do that." Gabe Gross took the start in right field and Suzuki batted third, while Sweeney entered the game late and wound up scoring what turned out to be the winning run.

Tigers: Cabrera loves facing AL West
While his three homers Friday night were an impressive first for the Tigers' cleanup hitter, the fact that Miguel Cabrera pulled off such a feat against an AL West opponent should come as no surprise. Cabrera now is batting .353 (138-for-391) with 24 homers, 97 RBIs and 75 runs scored in 101 career games against AL West opponents.

Worth noting
The Tigers now have collected an extra-base hit in 44 of the club's 47 games this season, running the season total of those to 152.

... After their 5-4 win Friday night, the A's are now 9-2 in one-run games, the best record in baseball for such outcomes.

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Pitching matchup

DET: RHP Rick Porcello (4-4, 5.58 ERA)
Porcello took some damage from three hard-hit comebackers in his last start, including a bruise on his right leg, but he's expected to be fine for his next start on an extra day of rest. The 21-year-old has alternated losses and wins over his last six starts, the last being six innings of two-run ball to beat the Dodgers last Sunday. He has allowed just two extra-base hits over his last three starts, and he hasn't given up a home run in his last four starts. However, Porcello has lost both of his previous meetings with the A's in his brief career, allowing 10 runs on 17 hits over 9 2/3 innings.

Athletics: LHP Brett Anderson (1-1, 2.35 ERA)
Assuming he gets through a Thursday bullpen session in Baltimore without any soreness, Anderson will be activated off the 15-day disabled list to make Saturday's start against the Tigers at Comerica Park. Anderson has been out since April 25 with a left forearm strain and left elbow inflammation, but a three-inning rehabilitation start at Triple-A Sacramento on Monday was enough to prove to the southpaw -- and, presumably, manager Bob Geren, who watched the game on his laptop -- that he was ready to return. Anderson threw sliders without any pain in his rehab outing, a good sign, but he'll be on a short leash -- Geren said he would be limited to about 75 pitches. In the unlikely event that Anderson can't make the start, right-hander Tyson Ross would probably get the call.

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From MLB Tigers Game Notes

RECENT RESULTS: The Tigers suffered a 5-4 loss to Oakland last night at Comerica Park. Ryan Perry (1-4) took the loss in relief after allowing two runs in the ninth inning. Miguel Cabrera connected for three home runs and drove in all four of Detroit’s runs. The Tigers continue a seven-game homestand with the second game of four-game series this evening against Oakland. The homestand concludes with a three-game series versus Cleveland beginning on Tuesday.

ON A ROLL OVER OAKLAND AT COMERICA PARK: The Tigers have won six of the club’s last nine games over Oakland at Comerica Park dating back to August 9, 2008. During the nine-game stretch, Detroit is hitting .301 (94x312) with 72 runs scored, 23 doubles, four triples and 18 home runs. Tigers pitchers have compiled a 3.67 ERA (81.0IP/33ER) during the nine games versus Oakland.

WINNING OVER THE WEST: The Tigers have compiled a 32-23 record against clubs from the American League’s West Division since the start of the 2009 season. Detroit’s .582 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.

MIGGY AT HIS BEST AGAINST THE WEST: Miguel Cabrera enters this evening’s game versus the Athletics batting .353 (138x391) with 75 runs scored, 35 doubles, a triple, 24 home runs and 97 RBI in 101 games against clubs from the American League’s West Division during his career. He is tops among all active major league players with a .353 batting average and .632 slugging percentage versus the American League’s West Division.

CABRERA CLUBS THREE HOME RUNS TO EQUAL FRANCHISE MARK: Miguel Cabrera established a career high by belting three home runs last night versus Oakland. His three home runs matched a franchise record, marking the 21st time it has been accomplished in franchise history. Prior to Cabrera, Dmitri Young was the last Tigers player to connect for three home runs in a game as he did so on April 4, 2005 versus Kansas City.

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 second among all American League relievers with a 0.46 ERA and .127 batting average against, while he is tied for fifth with 11 saves.

ORDONEZ ON THE OFFENSIVE: Magglio Ordonez is batting .476 (20x42) with 12 runs scored, a double, three home runs and nine RBI over his last 12 games dating back to May 13. He is tops among all American League players with a .476 batting average and .549 on-base percentage during that stretch.

BOESCH’S BOOST: Brennan Boesch is hitting .340 (32x94) with 10 doubles, two triples, four home runs and 21 RBI over his last 25 games dating back to April 28. He is tied for fourth among all American League players with 16 extra-base hits during that stretch, while he is tied for seventh with 21 RBI, is eighth with a .340 batting average and ninth with a .617 slugging percentage.

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 62 hits, while he is second with a .328 batting average. Boesch is leading all league rookies with a .330 batting average and 22 RBI, while he is tied for the lead with four home runs and is second with 35 hits.

BULLISH BEHAVIOR: Tigers relievers have compiled an 11-6 record and 2.62 ERA (151.1IP/44ER) through the club’s first 47 games this season. Tigers relievers lead the American League a 2.62 ERA, while the club is second with 11 victories and third with 151.1 innings pitched.

CABRERA PRODUCES ALL DETROIT’S RUNS ON THREE HOME RUNS: Miguel Cabrera’s three home runs last night versus Oakland plated all four of Detroit’s runs. It marks the fewest runs scored by an American League team in a game in which the club had one player hit three home runs since August 7, 2002 when Chris Woodward hit three home runs for Toronto in a 5-4 loss to Seattle. (Source: Elias Sports Bureau)

DETROIT TIGERS FOUNDATION AWARDS NEARLY $250,000 IN GRANTS: The Detroit Tigers Foundation will present nearly $250,000 in grants to 18 organizations during a pre-game ceremony prior to the game on Sunday. The grants will directly support extraordinary organizations that serve thousands of children and families throughout the state of Michigan. The grants are awarded with the mission of enhancing lives through the game of baseball with a focus on youth, education and recreation.

FOUR FLYING TIGERS NAMED TO FSL ALL-STAR SQUAD: The following four players with Single A Lakeland have been named to the Florida State League’s mid-season all-star squad: righthanded pitcher Brayan Villarreal, lefthanded pitcher Charlie Furbush, first baseman Rawley Bishop and outfielder Kody Kaiser.

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

On the Internet
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• GDT: 5/29/10 - DET (25-22) VS OAK (26-23) - 7:05 p.m. ET 3568397996_42d6007323_t

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GDT: 5/29/10 - DET (25-22) VS OAK (26-23) - 7:05 p.m. ET 3567580565_0f598f1903_t

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Up next (Probable Pitchers)

• 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:

Oakland AVG
Davis, R, CF .256
Barton, D, 1B .277
Sweeney, R, RF .310
Suzuki, K, C .250
Cust, DH .250
Kouzmanoff, 3B .254
Gross, LF .274
Ellis, M, 2B .275
Pennington, SS .219
Totals .256

Detroit AVG
Jackson, A, CF .328
Damon, DH .275
Ordonez, RF .325
Cabrera, M, 1B .341
Raburn, LF .196
Guillen, C, 2B .313
Inge, 3B .219
Laird, C .158
Everett, SS .197
Totals .268

Inning 1
Top Half

B:2 S:1 O:1 -
Rajai Davis flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson.

B:3 S:2 O:1 -
Daric Barton hits a ground-rule double (13) on a ground ball to right field, on fan interference.

B:4 S:2 O:1 -
Ryan Sweeney walks.

B:2 S:2 O:2 -
Kurt Suzuki flies out to left fielder Ryan Raburn.

B:2 S:1 O:2 -
With Jack Cust batting, wild pitch by Rick Porcello, Daric Barton to 3rd. Ryan Sweeney to 2nd.

B:2 S:3 O:3 -
Jack Cust called out on GDT: 5/29/10 - DET (25-22) VS OAK (26-23) - 7:05 p.m. ET 166205

GDT: 5/29/10 - DET (25-22) VS OAK (26-23) - 7:05 p.m. ET 166205

.

0-0 after .5 inning

Bottom Half

B:2 S:2 O:1 -
Austin Jackson grounds out softly, pitcher Brett Anderson to first baseman Daric Barton.

B:1 S:0 O:1 -
Johnny Damon singles on a fly ball to left fielder Gabe Gross.

B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Magglio Ordonez lines out to right fielder Ryan Sweeney.

B:0 S:0 O:3 -
Miguel Cabrera grounds out, second baseman Mark Ellis to first baseman Daric Barton.

0-0 after 1 inning

Inning 2
Top Half

B:1 S:0 O:1 -
Kevin Kouzmanoff flies out to right fielder Magglio Ordonez.

B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Gabe Gross lines out to left fielder Ryan Raburn.

B:1 S:2 O:2 -
Mark Ellis singles on a soft ground ball to shortstop Adam Everett.

B:4 S:2 O:2 -
Cliff Pennington walks. Mark Ellis to 2nd.

B:1 S:1 O:3 -
Rajai Davis lines out to right fielder Magglio Ordonez.

0-0 after 1.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:1 S:1 O:1 -
Ryan Raburn grounds out, pitcher Brett Anderson to first baseman Daric Barton.

B:1 S:3 O:2 -
Carlos Guillen strikes out swinging, catcher Kurt Suzuki to first baseman Daric Barton.

B:3 S:1 O:3 -
Brandon Inge lines out to right fielder Ryan Sweeney.

0-0 after 2 innings

Inning 3
Top Half

B:3 S:2 O:1 -
Daric Barton flies out to left fielder Ryan Raburn.

B:1 S:2 O:2 -
Ryan Sweeney grounds out to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:1 S:0 O:3 -
Kurt Suzuki pops out to second baseman Carlos Guillen in foul territory.

0-0 after 2.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:1 S:2 O:1 -
Gerald Laird lines out to left fielder Gabe Gross. (home run ball caught by Gross reaching over fence) GDT: 5/29/10 - DET (25-22) VS OAK (26-23) - 7:05 p.m. ET 50845

GDT: 5/29/10 - DET (25-22) VS OAK (26-23) - 7:05 p.m. ET 50845

B:2 S:3 O:2 -
Adam Everett called out on GDT: 5/29/10 - DET (25-22) VS OAK (26-23) - 7:05 p.m. ET 166205

.

B:1 S:3 O:3 -
Austin Jackson GDT: 5/29/10 - DET (25-22) VS OAK (26-23) - 7:05 p.m. ET 166205

swinging.

0-0 after 3 innings

Inning 4
Top Half

B:2 S:2 O:1 -
Jack Cust pops out to third baseman Brandon Inge in foul territory.

B:1 S:0 O:2 -
Kevin Kouzmanoff flies out to right fielder Magglio Ordonez.

B:2 S:1 O:3 -
Gabe Gross lines out to right fielder Magglio Ordonez.

0-0 after 3.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:2 S:2 O:1 -
Johnny Damon grounds out, second baseman Mark Ellis to first baseman Daric Barton.

B:0 S:1 O:2 -
Magglio Ordonez grounds out, first baseman Daric Barton to second baseman Mark Ellis to pitcher Brett Anderson.

B:1 S:0 O:3 -
Miguel Cabrera grounds out, pitcher Brett Anderson to first baseman Daric Barton.

0-0 after 4 innings

Inning 5
Top Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Mark Ellis homers (1) on a fly ball to left center field.

OAK 1, DET 0

B:0 S:1 O:1 -
Cliff Pennington flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson.

B:1 S:2 O:1 -
Rajai Davis singles on a ground ball to catcher Gerald Laird.

B:1 S:1 O:1 -
With Daric Barton batting, Rajai Davis steals (19) 2nd base.

B:3 S:2 O:2 -
Daric Barton flies out to left fielder Ryan Raburn in foul territory.

B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Ryan Sweeney triples (2) on a line drive to center fielder Austin Jackson. Rajai Davis scores.

OAK 2, DET 0

B:0 S:1 O:3 -
Kurt Suzuki flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson.

OAK 2, DET 0 after 4.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:1 S:2 O:1 -
Ryan Raburn lines out to center fielder Rajai Davis.

B:1 S:3 O:2 -
Carlos Guillen GDT: 5/29/10 - DET (25-22) VS OAK (26-23) - 7:05 p.m. ET 166205

swinging.

B:2 S:1 O:3 -
Brandon Inge lines out to left fielder Gabe Gross.

OAK 2, DET 0 after 5 innings

Inning 6
Top Half

B:2 S:1 O:0 -
Jack Cust singles on a line drive to center fielder Austin Jackson.

B:3 S:1 O:1 -
Kevin Kouzmanoff flies out to right fielder Magglio Ordonez.

B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Gabe Gross flies out to left fielder Ryan Raburn.

B:0 S:0 O:3 -
Mark Ellis flies out to left fielder Ryan Raburn.

OAK 2, DET 0 after 5.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:1 S:1 O:1 -
Gerald Laird grounds out, third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff to first baseman Daric Barton.

B:0 S:2 O:2 -
Adam Everett grounds out, third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff to first baseman Daric Barton.

B:1 S:1 O:2 -
Austin Jackson singles on a ground ball to center fielder Rajai Davis.

B:0 S:1 O:2 -
Johnny Damon doubles (14) on a line drive to right fielder Ryan Sweeney. Austin Jackson to 3rd.

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

B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Pitcher Change: Brad Ziegler replaces Brett Anderson.

B:1 S:0 O:3 -
Magglio Ordonez lines out sharply to third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff.

OAK 2, DET 0 after 6 innings

Inning 7
Top Half

B:1 S:2 O:1 -
Cliff Pennington lines out to right fielder Magglio Ordonez.

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

B:0 S:2 O:1 -
Rajai Davis triples (1) on a line drive to left fielder Ryan Raburn.

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

B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Pitcher Change: Brad Thomas replaces Rick Porcello.

B:4 S:2 O:1 -
Daric Barton walks.

B:1 S:2 O:3 - Ryan Sweeney grounds into double play,
shortstop Adam Everett to second baseman Carlos Guillen to first
baseman Miguel Cabrera. Daric Barton out at 2nd.

OAK 2, DET 0 after 6.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:2 S:1 O:0 -
Miguel Cabrera singles on a ground ball to left fielder Gabe Gross.

B:0 S:2 O:1 -
Ryan Raburn flies out to left fielder Gabe Gross.

B:1 S:0 O:3 - Carlos Guillen grounds into double play,
shortstop Cliff Pennington to second baseman Mark Ellis to first
baseman Daric Barton. Miguel Cabrera out at 2nd.

OAK 2, DET 0 after 7 innings

Inning 8
Top Half

B:0 S:1 O:1 -
Kurt Suzuki grounds out, third baseman Brandon Inge to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:2 S:1 O:1 -
Jack Cust singles on a ground ball to second baseman Carlos Guillen.

B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Offensive Substitution: Pinch runner Eric Patterson replaces Jack Cust.

B:4 S:1 O:1 -
Kevin Kouzmanoff walks. Eric Patterson to 2nd.

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

B:4 S:2 O:1 -
Gabe Gross walks. Eric Patterson to 3rd. Kevin Kouzmanoff to 2nd.

B:4 S:2 O:1 -
Coaching visit to mound.

B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Pitcher Change: Eddie Bonine replaces Brad Thomas.

B:1 S:1 O:1 - Mark Ellis doubles (3) on a ground ball
to left fielder Ryan Raburn. Eric Patterson scores. Kevin Kouzmanoff
scores. Gabe Gross scores. Mark Ellis to 3rd on the throw.

OAK 5, DET 0

B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Cliff Pennington out on a sacrifice fly to right fielder Magglio Ordonez. Mark Ellis scores.

OAK 6, DET 0

B:2 S:1 O:3 -
Rajai Davis flies out to right fielder Magglio Ordonez.

OAK 6, DET 0 after 6.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Eric Patterson remains in the game as the designated hitter.

B:0 S:2 O:1 -
Brandon Inge lines out to left fielder Gabe Gross.

B:1 S:1 O:2 -
Gerald Laird grounds out, shortstop Cliff Pennington to first baseman Daric Barton.

B:2 S:3 O:3 -
Adam Everett GDT: 5/29/10 - DET (25-22) VS OAK (26-23) - 7:05 p.m. ET 166205

swinging.

OAK 6, DET 0 after 8 innings

Inning 9
Top Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Pitcher Change: Jose Valverde replaces Eddie Bonine.

B:4 S:1 O:0 -
Daric Barton walks.

B:2 S:1 O:0 -
Ryan Sweeney doubles (9) on a line drive to left fielder Ryan Raburn. Daric Barton to 3rd.

B:1 S:1 O:1 -
Kurt Suzuki grounds out, shortstop Adam Everett to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:0 S:3 O:2 -
Eric Patterson GDT: 5/29/10 - DET (25-22) VS OAK (26-23) - 7:05 p.m. ET 166205

swinging.

B:0 S:3 O:3 -
Kevin Kouzmanoff GDT: 5/29/10 - DET (25-22) VS OAK (26-23) - 7:05 p.m. ET 166205

swinging, catcher Gerald Laird to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

OAK 6, DET 0 after 8.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Pitcher Change: Craig Breslow replaces Brad Ziegler.

B:2 S:0 O:0 -
Austin Jackson doubles (13) on a line drive to center fielder Rajai Davis.

B:0 S:1 O:1 -
Johnny Damon flies out to left fielder Gabe Gross.

B:2 S:2 O:2 -
Magglio Ordonez grounds out, third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff to first baseman Daric Barton.

B:2 S:3 O:3 -
Miguel Cabrera called out on GDT: 5/29/10 - DET (25-22) VS OAK (26-23) - 7:05 p.m. ET 166205

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OAK 6, DET 0 final box score >>

Subject: Re: GDT: 5/29/10 - DET (25-22) VS OAK (26-23) - 7:05 p.m. ET