GDT: 6/5/10 - DET (28-26) at KC (23-33) - 7:10 p.m. ET

Tigers ready for payback against Royals

By Joey Nowak / MLB.com

Since 2006, the Tigers have been excellent at Kauffman Stadium against the Royals.

Now, they're just waiting for the 2010 numbers to reflect that fact.

In the last five seasons, Detroit is 26-14 in Kansas City but the Royals' 7-3 win on Friday broke a 3-3 season series tie and evened the slate at 2-2 for games played at Kauffman Stadium in 2010.

On Saturday, the Tigers will count on Justin Verlander (5-4, 3.75) -- who has been the Tigers' ace but has struggled at times this season -- to get Detroit back on the winning track.

To get going, the Tigers will also need their bats to heat up. They've scored four runs or fewer in eight of their last 10 games.

It was Royals starter Bruce Chen who kept the Tigers offense quiet on Friday night.

"He pitched good," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. "I don't want to take anything away from him, but we can't keep saying everybody pitches good. This is the big leagues. If you're saying every night that somebody pitched good, then you got problems. Every now and then you have to hit good."

Speaking of offensive output, Royals catcher Jason Kendall has shown it from the somewhat-unfamiliar No. 2 spot in the lineup for Kansas City. Replacing second baseman Mike Aviles, who was in an 0-for-12 skid, Kendall went 3-for-3 with a walk and three RBIs in his fourth game batting in the two-hole on Friday.

"Kendall's a perfect No. 2 hitter. He's a guy that likes to take pitches and is a good situational-type hitter so we thought we'd try that for a while," Royals manager Ned Yost said.

Royals: DeJesus heating up
Outfielder David DeJesus is batting .471 (16-for-34) in the eight games since his son David Jr. was born on May 25. ... Luke Hochevar, the Royals' Pitcher of the Month in May, will throw on Saturday, coming in at 5-3 with a 5.10 ERA. ... Pitcher John Parrish threw batting practice and is expected to start a rehab assignment in the Minor Leagues next week.

Tigers: Guillen held out with sore toe
Center fielder Austin Jackson has hit safely in 24 of his 26 road games this season. ... After Friday, Jackson has 60 strikeouts, tied for the American League lead. ... Tigers second baseman Carlos Guillen fouled a ball off his left toe Thursday and was held out of Friday's lineup.

Worth noting
After going 2-for-4 in Friday's series opener, Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera is batting .355 (61-for-172) against the Royals in 45 games.

... Reliever Kanekoa Texeira made his debut with Kansas City on Friday night in the ninth inning and did not surrender a hit to three batters faced.

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Pitching matchup

DET: RHP Justin Verlander (5-4, 3.75 ERA)
Verlander has lost his past two starts, but as much for lack of run support as for giving up the big hit in close games. He trailed the A's after a pair of first-inning runs Monday and never recovered despite seven strong innings, and he left the field arguing with home-plate umpire Laz Diaz over two curveballs that didn't get the call for third strikes. Verlander took a no-decision against the Royals on Opening Day, giving up four runs on six hits over five innings.


Royals: RHP Luke Hochevar (5-3, 5.10 ERA)
Coming into his last start, against the Los Angeles Angels, Hochevar had given up only two home runs in his last 60 innings of work. That streak went by the wayside when Hochevar gave up two home runs in seven innings as he picked up his third loss of the season. The Angels tagged Hochevar for five runs. Hochevar will look to get back on track against the Tigers at Kauffman Stadium. In five career starts against the Tigers, he is 2-2 with a 5.23 ERA.



From MLB Tigers Game Notes

RECENT RESULTS: The Tigers suffered a 7-3 loss to the Royals last night at Kauffman Stadium. Max Scherzer (2-5) took the loss for the Tigers after allowing five runs in five innings of work. Brennan Boesch doubled and belted a three-run home run for the Tigers, while Miguel Cabrera and Johnny Damon both finished with two hits. The Tigers continue a six-game road trip with the second game of a three-game series at Kansas City this evening. Following an off day on Monday, the trip concludes with a three-game series at Chicago beginning on Tuesday night.

SUCCESSFUL TRIPS TO KAUFFMAN STADIUM: Since the start of the 2006 season, the Tigers have compiled a 26-14 record in games played against the Royals at Kauffman Stadium. During the 40-game stretch, the Tigers are hitting .301 (436x1450) with 245 runs scored, 90 doubles, 11 triples and 54 home runs. Detroit’s pitchers have compiled a 3.62 ERA (348.0IP/140ER) over the course of the 40 games.

MIGGY MASHES AGAINST THE ROYALS: Miguel Cabrera enters tonight’s game versus the Kansas City Royals hitting .355 (61x172) with nine doubles, 13 home runs and 40 RBI in 45 games against the club. He is fourth among all active major league players with a .355 batting average and .634 slugging percentage against the Royals.

CABRERA’S A ROAD WARRIOR: Miguel Cabrera enters tonight’s game at Kansas City hitting .386 (39x101) with nine doubles, nine home runs and 32 RBI in 25 games on the road this season. He is tops among all American League players with a .386 batting average and 32 RBI on the road this season, while he is second with nine home runs and a .743 slugging percentage.

ACTION JACKSON TAKES HIS SHOW ON THE ROAD: Austin Jackson has hit safely in 24 of his 26 games on the road this season, batting .342 (39x114) with eight doubles, three triples, a home run and eight RBI. He is seventh among all American League players with a .342 batting average on the road this season.

PAPA GRANDE POWERS THE PEN: Jose Valverde has not allowed a run in his last 21 outings for the Tigers, tossing 20.2 scoreless innings. He is tops among all American League relievers with a 0.42 ERA and .129 batting average against, while he is 10th with 11 saves.

ORDONEZ ON THE OFFENSIVE: Magglio Ordonez is batting .380 (27x71) with 16 runs scored, two doubles, a triple, four home runs and 17 RBI over his last 19 games dating back to May 13. He is seventh among all American League players with a .380 batting average and .451 on-base percentage during that stretch.

CABRERA PLAYING LONGBALL: Miguel Cabrera has connected for eight home runs over his last 12 games dating back to May 20. During the 12-game stretch, he is hitting .417 (20x48) with 11 runs scored, three doubles and 15 RBI. Cabrera is tops among all American League players with eight home runs and a .979 slugging percentage during that stretch, while he is third with a .417 batting average and tied for third with 15 RBI.

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 36 runs scored and 73 hits, while he is second with a .333 batting average. Boesch is tops among all league rookies with a .339 batting average and 25 RBI, while he is second with 41 hits and five home runs.

FOR STARTERS: Tigers starting pitchers have compiled a 3.50 ERA (138.2IP/54ER) over the club’s last 22 games, while limiting opponents to a .241 batting average (126x522). Club starting pitchers have posted 11 quality starts during the stretch.

BULLISH BEHAVIOR: Tigers relievers have compiled a 12-6 record and 2.86 ERA (167.0IP/53ER) through the club’s first 54 games this season. Tigers relievers lead the American League with a 2.86 ERA, while the club is tied for the lead with 12 victories and is fourth with 167.0 innings pitched.

KAISER, FURBUSH EARN MINOR LEAGUE HONORS: Single A Lakeland outfielder Kody Kaiser and lefthanded pitcher Charlie Furbush have been selected the Tigers Minor League Player and Pitcher of the Month, respectively, for May. Kaiser hit .402 (43x107) with 14 runs scored, seven doubles, four triples, a home run and 26 RBI in 27 games during the month. Furbush compiled a 2-1 record, 1.76 ERA (41.0IP/8ER) and 61 strikeouts in six starts during May.



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Up next (Probable Pitchers)


• Sunday, June 6
Tigers (RHP Jeremy Bonderman (2-3, 3.72 ERA)) at Royals (RHP Brian Bannister (5-3, 4.73 ERA)), 2:10 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / 1270 & 97.1)

• Monday, June 7
OFF DAY

• Tuesday, June 8
Tigers (RHP Armando Galarraga (2-1, 2.57 ERA)) at White Sox (RHP Gavin Floyd (2-6, 6.64 ERA)), 8:10 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / 1270 & 97.1)

• Wednesday, June 9
Tigers (RHP Rick Porcello (4-5, 5.25 ERA)) at White Sox (RHP Freddy Garcia (5-3, 4.94 ERA)), 8:10 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / 1270 & 97.1)

• Thursday, June 10
Tigers (RHP Max Scherzer (2-5, 6.66 ERA)) at White Sox (LHP John Danks (4-5, 3.60 ERA)), 2:05 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / 1270 & 97.1)

STARTING LINEUPS:

Detroit AVG
Jackson, A, CF .333
Kelly, LF .271
Damon, DH .280
Cabrera, M, 1B .355
Boesch, RF .339
Guillen, C, 2B .273
Inge, 3B .237
Avila, C .192
Santiago, SS .237
Totals .270


Kansas City AVG
Podsednik, LF .300
Kendall, C .293
DeJesus, D, RF .304
Butler, 1B .332
Guillen, J, DH .244
Callaspo, 3B .286
Aviles, M, 2B .303
Maier, CF .252
Betancourt, Y, SS .283
Totals .278

Inning 1
Top Half

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

B:2 S:3 O:2 -
Don Kelly on foul tip.

B:0 S:2 O:3 -
Johnny Damon grounds out, pitcher Luke Hochevar to first baseman Billy Butler.

0-0 after .5 inning

Bottom Half

B:1 S:0 O:1 -
Scott Podsednik flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson.

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

B:2 S:0 O:3 -
David DeJesus grounds out, first baseman Miguel Cabrera to pitcher Justin Verlander.

0-0 after 1 inning

Inning 2
Top Half

B:3 S:3 O:1 -
Miguel Cabrera swinging.

B:0 S:1 O:1 -
Brennan Boesch singles on a soft line drive to center fielder Mitch Maier.

B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Carlos Guillen flies out to center fielder Mitch Maier.

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

0-0 after 1.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:0 S:2 O:1 -
Billy Butler flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson.

B:0 S:1 O:2 -
Jose Guillen pops out to first baseman Miguel Cabrera in foul territory.

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


B:0 S:0 O:3 -
Mike Aviles flies out to right fielder Brennan Boesch.

0-0 after 2 innings

Inning 3
Top Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Alex Avila singles on a line drive to center fielder Mitch Maier.

B:1 S:0 O:2 -
Ramon Santiago grounds into double play, second baseman Mike Aviles to first baseman Billy Butler. Alex Avila out at 2nd.

B:1 S:1 O:3 -
Austin Jackson flies out to right fielder David DeJesus.

0-0 after 2.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:0 S:1 O:1 -
Mitch Maier grounds out to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:1 S:0 O:2 -
Yuniesky Betancourt pops out to shortstop Ramon Santiago.

B:1 S:1 O:3 -
Scott Podsednik flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson.

0-0 after 3 innings

Inning 4
Top Half

B:3 S:3 O:1 -
Don Kelly called out on .

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

B:0 S:2 O:3 -
Miguel Cabrera grounds out, pitcher Luke Hochevar to shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt to first baseman Billy Butler.

0-0 after 3.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:0 S:2 O:0 -
Jason Kendall singles on a ground ball to third baseman Brandon Inge.

B:1 S:3 O:1 -
David DeJesus called out on .

B:0 S:0 O:1 -
With Billy Butler batting, Jason Kendall advances to 2nd on a balk.

B:2 S:2 O:2 -
Billy Butler grounds out, third baseman Brandon Inge to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:1 S:1 O:3 -
Jose Guillen grounds out, pitcher Justin Verlander to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

0-0 after 4 innings

Inning 5
Top Half

B:4 S:1 O:0 -
Brennan Boesch walks.

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Carlos Guillen singles on a ground ball to center fielder Mitch Maier. Brennan Boesch to 2nd.

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

B:4 S:1 O:1 -
Alex Avila walks. Brennan Boesch to 3rd. Carlos Guillen to 2nd.


B:0 S:3 O:2 -
Ramon Santiago swinging.

B:1 S:1 O:3 -
Austin Jackson grounds out, second baseman Mike Aviles to first baseman Billy Butler.

0-0 after 4.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:1 S:3 O:1 -
Alberto Callaspo on foul tip.

B:1 S:1 O:1 -
Mike Aviles singles on a ground ball to right fielder Brennan Boesch.

B:1 S:1 O:1 - Mitch Maier reaches on force attempt,
missed catch error by shortstop Ramon Santiago, assist to second
baseman Carlos Guillen. Mike Aviles to 2nd.

B:0 S:0 O:2 - Yuniesky Betancourt grounds out, third
baseman Brandon Inge to first baseman Miguel Cabrera. Mike Aviles to
3rd. Mitch Maier to 2nd.

B:0 S:1 O:3 -
Scott Podsednik grounds out, second baseman Carlos Guillen to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

0-0 after 5 innings

Inning 6
Top Half

B:3 S:2 O:1 -
Don Kelly flies out to center fielder Mitch Maier.

B:1 S:1 O:2 -
Johnny Damon flies out to right fielder David DeJesus.

B:2 S:1 O:2 -
Miguel Cabrera homers (17) on a fly ball to left field.

DET 1, KC 0



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

DET 1, KC 0 after 5.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:0 S:2 O:1 -
Jason Kendall flies out to right fielder Brennan Boesch.

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

B:2 S:2 O:2 -
Billy Butler doubles (16) on a ground ball to left fielder Don Kelly.

B:4 S:2 O:2 -
Jose Guillen walks.

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


B:2 S:2 O:3 -
Alberto Callaspo grounds out, second baseman Carlos Guillen to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

DET 1, KC 0 after 6 innings

Inning 7
Top Half

B:0 S:1 O:1 -
Carlos Guillen grounds out, second baseman Mike Aviles to first baseman Billy Butler.

B:0 S:3 O:2 -
Brandon " Mr. K" Inge swinging. (for 3rd time tonight)


B:1 S:2 O:2 -
Alex Avila singles on a line drive to center fielder Mitch Maier.


B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Ramon Santiago singles on a line drive to left fielder Scott Podsednik. Alex Avila to 2nd.


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

B:2 S:2 O:3 -
Austin Jackson pops out to catcher Jason Kendall in foul territory.

DET 1, KC 0 after 6.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:1 S:1 O:1 -
Mike Aviles grounds out, shortstop Ramon Santiago to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:1 S:0 O:2 -
Mitch Maier grounds out, shortstop Ramon Santiago to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:4 S:0 O:2 -
Yuniesky Betancourt walks.

B:1 S:3 O:3 -
Scott Podsednik called out on .

DET 1, KC 0 after 7 innings

Inning 8
Top Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Pitcher Change: Blake Wood replaces Luke Hochevar.

B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Don Kelly flies out to left fielder Scott Podsednik.

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

B:1 S:1 O:2 -
Miguel Cabrera singles on a ground ball to center fielder Mitch Maier.


B:2 S:1 O:2 -
With Brennan Boesch batting, wild pitch by Blake Wood, Miguel Cabrera to 2nd.

B:4 S:2 O:2 -
Brennan Boesch walks.


B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Carlos Guillen doubles (9) on a fly ball to center fielder Mitch Maier. Miguel Cabrera scores. Brennan Boesch scores.

DET 3, KC 0


B:1 S:1 O:2 -
Brandon Inge singles on a soft line drive to right fielder David DeJesus. Carlos Guillen scores.

DET 4, KC 0


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


B:0 S:0 O:3 -
Alex Avila grounds out, second baseman Mike Aviles to first baseman Billy Butler.

DET 4, KC 0 after 7.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:2 S:2 O:0 - Jason Kendall doubles (12) on a fly ball to center fielder Austin Jackson.

B:0 S:2 O:0 - David DeJesus singles on a line drive to left fielder Don Kelly. Jason Kendall to 3rd.

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

B:0 S:0 O:0 - Pitcher Change: Joel Zumaya replaces Justin Verlander.

B:4 S:0 O:0 - Billy Butler walks. David DeJesus to 2nd.

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

B:1 S:0 O:0 - Injury Delay. (Zoom with injured finger)

B:2 S:0 O:0 - Pitcher Change: Phil Coke replaces Joel Zumaya.

B:3 S:1 O:0 - Jose Guillen singles on a ground ball to left fielder Don Kelly. Jason Kendall scores. David DeJesus to 3rd. Billy Butler to 2nd.

DET 4, KC 1


B:0 S:0 O:0 - Offensive Substitution: Pinch runner Willie Bloomquist replaces Jose Guillen.

B:0 S:2 O:0 - Detroit Tigers pitcher Joel Zumaya left the game due to an injured hand.

B:2 S:2 O:1 - Alberto Callaspo grounds into a force out, first baseman Miguel Cabrera to shortstop Ramon Santiago. David DeJesus scores. Billy Butler to 3rd. Willie Bloomquist out at 2nd. Alberto Callaspo to 1st.

DET 4, KC 2


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

B:0 S:0 O:1 - Pitcher Change: Jose Valverde replaces Phil Coke.

B:0 S:2 O:3 - Mike Aviles grounds into double play, second baseman Carlos Guillen to shortstop Ramon Santiago to first baseman Miguel Cabrera. Alberto Callaspo out at 2nd.

DET 4, KC 2 after 8 innings

Inning 9
Top Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Willie Bloomquist remains in the game as the designated hitter.

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Pitcher Change: Dusty Hughes replaces Blake Wood.

B:2 S:0 O:0 -
Ramon Santiago singles on a line drive to left fielder Scott Podsednik.

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


B:3 S:2 O:2 -
Don Kelly flies out to center fielder Mitch Maier.


B:1 S:2 O:3 -
Johnny Damon grounds out, pitcher Dusty Hughes to first baseman Billy Butler.

DET 4, KC 2 after 8.5 innings

Close it out Papa Grande!

Bottom Half

B:0 S:1 O:1 -
Mitch Maier grounds out to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:0 S:1 O:2 -
Yuniesky Betancourt grounds out, second baseman Carlos Guillen to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:0 S:1 O:2 -
Scott Podsednik reaches on fielding error by first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:1 S:0 O:2 -
With Jason Kendall batting, Scott Podsednik advances to 2nd on defensive indifference.


B:2 S:2 O:3 -
Jason Kendall flies out to right fielder Brennan Boesch.

DET 4, KC 2 final box score >>