GDT: 6/6/10 - DET (29-26) at KC (23-34) - 2:10 p.m. ET

Tigers, Royals collide in rubber match

By Chris Hempson / MLB.com

Coming into Saturday's game, the Tigers had scored four runs or fewer in eight of their past 10 games. Manager Jim Leyland had seen enough -- saying that good pitching by the opponent shouldn't be an excuse every night. Sure, Royals pitcher Bruce Chen might have been just that stellar, completing five innings and allowing two runs, but that didn't change Leyland's mind.

"This is the big leagues, if you're saying every night that somebody pitched good, then you got problems," Leyland said. "Every now and then you have to hit good."

The hitting well part might not have changed on Saturday night for the Tigers, but the result did -- winning 4-2.

Unfortunately, they might be facing a starter on Sunday who could be pitching in his element: a day game. Other than winning his past four starts, Royals pitcher Brian Bannister has some odd career statistics. He's 19-8 with a 4.11 ERA in 36 day games in his career compared to 16-33 and a 5.14 ERA at night. Bannister, who's been asked many times in the past about these strange splits, has no explanation for the daytime domination.

Part of the reason for his success -- regardless of the time -- has been the 29-year-old right-hander's transformation from a fly-ball to a ground-ball pitcher. Oddly enough, one bothersome statistic persists, however. Bannister has given up at least one home run in 10 of his 11 starts and his ratio of 1.53 homers per nine innings is the fourth highest in the American League. He began the year with a 1.05 mark.

Tigers: Cabrera wielding hot bat
Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera sure must like facing the Royals. And why not? In his career entering Saturday night, he was hitting .355, (61-for-172), with nine doubles, 13 home runs and 40 RBIs in 45 games against Kansas City. He's even fourth among active Major Leaguers in batting average when facing the Royals.

Still, such astounding numbers don't seem to faze Cabrera, despite hitting another home run and a single on Saturday. His eyes are clearly on one prize: wins.

"To me, it's important to win games," he said. "I don't care about personal numbers. I care about winning games and that's it. I don't care if I come in here hitting .400, or even .500. If we're winning games, that's what matters."

Royals: Kendall delivers in clutch
Coming into Saturday night, Royals catcher Jason Kendall was equally as hot against the Tigers -- especially this season. He had hit .481, (13-for-27) and did nothing to stop the hot-streak -- going 3-for-3 with a walk and three RBIs on Friday.

"He's a perfect situational hitter," Royals manager Ned Yost said of Kendall. "If you can get two-out RBIs, you're going to be in good shape and Jason got three of 'em for us on [Friday]."

As such, the Royals offense was able to enjoy a pair of three-run innings, its largest such frame since scoring four runs in the fifth inning against the Angels on Tuesday. And on Saturday, Kendall tallied another two hits with a double and a single.

Worth noting
All nine members of the Royals starting lineup got a hit on Friday.

... Injured outfielder Rick Ankiel and pitcher John Parrish have been cleared to return to game action and will do so Tuesday when they travel to Triple-A Omaha to begin rehabilitation assignments.

... Tigers pitcher Jose Valverde hasn't allowed a run in his past 21 outings.



Pitching matchup

DET: RHP Jeremy Bonderman (2-3, 3.72 ERA)
Bonderman has quietly become the Tigers' most consistently effective pitcher over the past month or so, tossing quality starts in each of his last five starting assignments since May 1. That includes eight innings of three-run ball against the Indians that gave Detroit a shot in a pitchers' duel before dropping a 3-2 decision Tuesday night at Comerica Park. He's showing the impact of a stronger, healthier arm, but more importantly, the wisdom of a veteran hurler who has learned how to mix his pitches, get quick outs and work deeper into games. He faced the Royals in three mop-up relief assignments last year, but this will be his first start against Kansas City since he opened the 2008 season.


Royals: RHP Brian Bannister (5-3, 4.73 ERA)
Bannister equaled his career high with a fourth consecutive victory on Tuesday against the Angels. Nevertheless, Bannister felt his performance was spotty and credited a strong bullpen effort with helping him earn that win. Over 5 1/3 innings, Bannister gave up seven hits and three earned runs. Bannister has allowed a homer in nine straight starts and will be looking to end that streak, which is the longest of his career.


From MLB Tigers Game Notes


RECENT RESULTS: The Tigers knocked off the Royals 4-2 last night at Kauffman Stadium. Justin Verlander (6-4) picked up the win for Detroit after limiting the Royals to two runs in seven innings of work. Miguel Cabrera singled and belted a solo home run for the Tigers, while Carlos Guillen singled, doubled and drove in two runs. Brandon Inge added a runscoring single for Detroit. The Tigers continue a six-game road trip with the final game of a three-game series at Kansas City this afternoon. Following an off day tomorrow, 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 27-14 record in games played against the Royals at Kauffman Stadium. During the 41-game stretch, the Tigers are hitting .300 (446x1486) with 249 runs scored, 91 doubles, 11 triples and 55 home runs. Detroit’s pitchers have compiled a 3.58 ERA (357.0IP/142ER) over the course of the 41 games.

MIGGY MASHES AGAINST THE ROYALS: Miguel Cabrera enters today’s game versus the Kansas City Royals hitting .358 (63x176) with nine doubles, 14 home runs and 41 RBI in 46 games against the club. He is second among all active major league players with a .648 slugging percentage against the Royals, while he is fourth with a .358 batting average.

CABRERA’S A ROAD WARRIOR: Miguel Cabrera enters today’s game at Kansas City hitting .390 (41x105) with nine doubles, 10 home runs and 33 RBI in 26 games on the road this season. He is tops among all American League players with a .390 batting average and 33 RBI on the road this season, while he is second with 10 home runs and a .762 slugging percentage.

ACTION JACKSON TAKES HIS SHOW ON THE ROAD: Austin Jackson has hit safely in 24 of his 27 games on the road this season, batting .328 (39x119) with eight doubles, three triples, a home run and eight RBI. He is eighth among all American League players with a .328 batting average on the road this season.

PAPA GRANDE POWERS THE PEN: Jose Valverde has not allowed a run in his last 22 outings for the Tigers, tossing 22.1 scoreless innings. He is tops among all American League relievers with a 0.39 ERA and .120 batting average against, while he is tied for seventh with 12 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 fourth among all American League players with a .451 on-base percentage during that stretch, while he is sixth with a .380 batting average.

CABRERA PLAYING LONGBALL: Miguel Cabrera has connected for nine home runs over his last 13 games dating back to May 20. During the 13-game stretch, he is hitting .423 (22x52) with 13 runs scored, three doubles and 16 RBI. Cabrera is tops among all American League players with a .423 batting average, nine home runs and a 1.000 slugging percentage during that stretch, while he is tied for third with 16 RBI.

DIALED IN DURING THE DAY: The Tigers enter this afternoon’s game at Kansas City with an 18-9 record during the day this season. Tigers pitchers have compiled a 3.37 ERA (238.0IP/89ER) during the club’s 27 day games.

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 .326 batting average. Boesch is tops among all league rookies with a .341 batting average and 25 RBI, while he is second with 42 hits and five home runs.

FOR STARTERS: Tigers starting pitchers have compiled a 3.46 ERA (145.2IP/56ER) over the club’s last 23 games, while limiting opponents to a .239 batting average (131x549). Club starting pitchers have posted 12 quality starts during the stretch.

BULLISH BEHAVIOR: Tigers relievers have compiled a 12-6 record and 2.82 ERA (169.0IP/53ER) through the club’s first 55 games this season. Tigers relievers lead the American League with a 2.82 ERA, while the club is tied for the lead with 12 victories and is fourth with 169.0 innings pitched.

EXTRA, EXTRA: The Tigers have collected at least one extra-base hit in 51 of the club’s 55 games this season. Detroit is fourth among all American League clubs with 179 extrabase hits this season. Additionally, Detroit is third in the league with 122 doubles.


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Up next (Probable Pitchers)


• 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 .326
Damon, DH .273
Ordonez, RF .313
Cabrera, M, 1B .358
Boesch, LF .341
Guillen, C, 2B .283
Kelly, 3B .245
Avila, C .210
Santiago, SS .246
Totals .270


Kansas City AVG
Bloomquist, LF .200
Kendall, C .296
DeJesus, D, RF .303
Butler, 1B .332
Guillen, J, DH .245
Callaspo, 3B .283
Aviles, M, 2B .301
Maier, CF .245
Betancourt, Y, SS .279
Totals .276

Inning 1
Top Half

B:2 S:1 O:1 -
Austin Jackson flies out to center fielder Mitch Maier.

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

B:3 S:2 O:3 -
Magglio Ordonez flies out to center fielder Mitch Maier.

0-0 after .5 inning

Bottom Half

B:2 S:2 O:1 -
Willie Bloomquist grounds out, second baseman Carlos Guillen to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

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

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


B:2 S:1 O:2 -
Billy Butler singles on a line drive to left fielder Brennan Boesch. David DeJesus to 2nd.


B:1 S:2 O:2 -
Jose Guillen homers (13) on a fly ball to left field. David DeJesus scores. Billy Butler scores.

KC 3, DET 0


B:2 S:0 O:3 -
Alberto Callaspo grounds out, third baseman Don Kelly to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

KC 3, DET 0 after 1 inning

Inning 2
Top Half

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

B:1 S:3 O:2 -
Brennan Boesch called out on .

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

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

KC 3, DET 0 after 1.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:0 S:3 O:1 -
Mike Aviles swinging.

B:2 S:1 O:1 -
Mitch Maier singles on a bunt ground ball to third baseman Don Kelly.

B:1 S:0 O:1 -
Yuniesky Betancourt doubles (12) on a line drive to right fielder Magglio Ordonez. Mitch Maier scores.

KC 4, DET 0



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

B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Willie Bloomquist flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson. Yuniesky Betancourt to 3rd.


B:0 S:2 O:2 -
Jason Kendall singles on a line drive to left fielder Brennan Boesch. Yuniesky Betancourt scores.

KC 5, DET 0



B:1 S:0 O:3 -
David DeJesus flies out to right fielder Magglio Ordonez.

KC 5, DET 0 after 2 innings

Inning 3
Top Half

B:2 S:2 O:1 -
Alex Avila grounds out, second baseman Mike Aviles to first baseman Billy Butler.

B:0 S:3 O:2 -
Ramon Santiago called out on .

B:1 S:1 O:3 -
Austin Jackson grounds out, pitcher Brian Bannister to first baseman Billy Butler.

KC 5, DET 0 after 2.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Billy Butler lines out to left fielder Brennan Boesch.

B:2 S:2 O:2 -
Jose Guillen flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson.

B:1 S:0 O:3 -
Alberto Callaspo flies out to left fielder Brennan Boesch.

KC 5, DET 0 after 3 innings

Inning 4
Top Half

B:2 S:1 O:0 -
Johnny Damon singles on a line drive to center fielder Mitch Maier.

B:1 S:0 O:0 -
With Magglio Ordonez batting, Johnny Damon steals (4) 2nd base.

B:3 S:1 O:0 -
Magglio Ordonez singles on a line drive to left fielder Willie Bloomquist. Johnny Damon scores.

KC 5, DET 1


B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Miguel Cabrera flies out to center fielder Mitch Maier.


B:3 S:2 O:2 -
Brennan Boesch lines out to center fielder Mitch Maier.

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

KC 5, DET 1 after 3.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Mike Aviles flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson.

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

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

B:0 S:1 O:3 -
With Willie Bloomquist batting, Mitch Maier caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Alex Avila to second baseman Carlos Guillen.

KC 5, DET 1 after 4 innings

Inning 5
Top Half

B:0 S:1 O:1 -
Don Kelly grounds out, third baseman Alberto Callaspo to first baseman Billy Butler.

B:3 S:2 O:2 -
Alex Avila grounds out, shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt to first baseman Billy Butler.

B:0 S:3 O:3 -
Ramon Santiago called out on .

KC 5, DET 1 after 4.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:0 S:1 O:1 -
Willie Bloomquist grounds out, second baseman Carlos Guillen to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:0 S:2 O:1 -
Jason Kendall singles on a line drive to left fielder Brennan Boesch.

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

B:1 S:2 O:2 -
With Billy Butler batting, Jason Kendall steals (5) 2nd base.

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

KC 5, DET 1 after 5 innings

Inning 6
Top Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Austin Jackson singles on a line drive to right fielder David DeJesus.

B:2 S:3 O:1 -
Johnny Damon called out on .

B:0 S:1 O:3 - Magglio Ordonez grounds into double
play, shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt to second baseman Mike Aviles to
first baseman Billy Butler. Austin Jackson out at 2nd.

KC 5, DET 1 after 5.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:1 S:2 O:1 -
Jose Guillen grounds out softly, third baseman Don Kelly to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:3 S:1 O:1 -
Alberto Callaspo singles on a line drive to center fielder Austin Jackson.

B:0 S:1 O:1 -
Mike Aviles doubles (4) on a fly ball to left fielder Brennan Boesch. Alberto Callaspo to 3rd.

B:4 S:0 O:1 -
Jeremy Bonderman intentionally walks Mitch Maier.

B:4 S:0 O:1 -
Coaching visit to mound.

B:1 S:1 O:2 -
Yuniesky Betancourt out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Austin Jackson. Alberto Callaspo scores.

KC 6, DET 1


B:1 S:0 O:2 -
Willie Bloomquist singles on a line drive to left fielder Brennan Boesch. Mike Aviles scores. Mitch Maier to 2nd.

KC 7, DET 1


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

B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Pitcher Change: Ryan Perry replaces Jeremy Bonderman.


B:0 S:0 O:3 -
Jason Kendall flies out to left fielder Brennan Boesch.

KC 7, DET 1 after 6 innings

Inning 7
Top Half

B:1 S:0 O:1 -
Miguel Cabrera grounds out, third baseman Alberto Callaspo to first baseman Billy Butler.

B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Brennan Boesch grounds out sharply, pitcher Brian Bannister to first baseman Billy Butler.

B:0 S:2 O:3 -
Carlos Guillen grounds out, pitcher Brian Bannister to first baseman Billy Butler.

KC 7, DET 1 after 6.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Pitcher Change: Brad Thomas replaces Ryan Perry.

B:1 S:1 O:0 -
David DeJesus singles on a line drive to left fielder Brennan Boesch.

B:1 S:2 O:2 - Billy Butler grounds into double play,
third baseman Don Kelly to second baseman Carlos Guillen to first
baseman Miguel Cabrera. David DeJesus out at 2nd.

B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Wilson Betemit replaces Jose Guillen.

B:3 S:1 O:2 -
Wilson Betemit doubles (1) on a line drive to right fielder Magglio Ordonez.

B:0 S:0 O:3 -
Alberto Callaspo flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson.

KC 7, DET 1 after 7 innings

Inning 8
Top Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Wilson Betemit remains in the game as the designated hitter.

B:3 S:2 O:0 -
Don Kelly doubles (1) on a fly ball to center fielder Mitch Maier.

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

B:1 S:0 O:1 -
Alex Avila grounds out, second baseman Mike Aviles to first baseman Billy Butler. Don Kelly to 3rd.

B:1 S:1 O:1 -
With Ramon Santiago batting, wild pitch by Brian Bannister, Don Kelly scores.

KC 7, DET 2


B:1 S:1 O:1 -
Ramon Santiago singles on a bunt ground ball to pitcher Brian Bannister.


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

B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Pitcher Change: Blake Wood replaces Brian Bannister.

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


B:4 S:1 O:2 -
Johnny Damon walks. Ramon Santiago to 2nd.

B:3 S:2 O:3 -
Magglio Ordonez grounds out, third baseman Alberto Callaspo to first baseman Billy Butler.


KC 7, DET 2 after 7.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:0 S:2 O:0 -
Mike Aviles singles on a ground ball to right fielder Magglio Ordonez.

B:0 S:0 O:1 - Mitch Maier grounds into a force out,
third baseman Don Kelly to second baseman Carlos Guillen. Mike Aviles
out at 2nd. Mitch Maier to 1st.

B:1 S:0 O:1 -
Yuniesky Betancourt doubles (13) on a fly ball to right fielder Magglio Ordonez. Mitch Maier to 3rd.

B:0 S:1 O:2 -
Willie Bloomquist grounds out softly to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:1 S:1 O:3 -
Jason Kendall grounds out, shortstop Ramon Santiago to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

KC 7, DET 2 after 8 innings

Inning 9
Top Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Pitcher Change: Joakim Soria replaces Blake Wood.

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

B:1 S:0 O:1 -
Brennan Boesch doubles (13) on a ground ball to right fielder David DeJesus.

B:1 S:2 O:2 -
Carlos Guillen grounds out, second baseman Mike Aviles to first baseman Billy Butler. Brennan Boesch to 3rd.

B:1 S:1 O:3 -
Don Kelly pops out to pitcher Joakim Soria.

KC 7, DET 2 final box score >>