GDT: 6/15/10 - DET (33-29) VS WAS (31-33) - 7:05 p.m. ET

Motown the next stage for hot-hitting Nats

By Zach Schonbrun / MLB.com

With the arrival of the phenom right-hander Stephen Strasburg and the emergence of a solid bullpen, the Nationals have been drawing attention with their pitching so far this season.

But the offense has had its moments, too. Washington pounded out 16 hits in support of Strasburg on Sunday, and the lineup looked as potent as just about any in the National League.

With a scorching hot Ryan Zimmerman, who is batting .370 with five home runs and 10 RBIs in his past 14 games, Washington has plenty of firepower. Adam Dunn hit his 14th home run of the year Sunday, Christian Guzman had three hits to raise his average to .304, and rookie shortstop Ian Desmond had two more RBIs to give him 33 on the year.

"It's an opportunity for people to realize there is some pretty good talent in Washington," Nats manager Jim Riggleman said. "You hope some of the guys get the national attention. People like Dunn, [Josh] Willingham and Zimmerman may get some recognition for it."

The Tigers may also start to get some recognition if they keep playing like they have. After a sweep of Pittsburgh, Detroit has won seven of its past 10 and is closing in on the Twins at the top of the American League Central.

Right-hander Max Scherzer has given up just eight runs in his past three starts since being brought back up from Triple-A Toledo, a brief demotion that looks to have been beneficial for the hard-throwing starter. He has 24 strikeouts in his past 18 innings of work.

The Tigers may be without their prime young center fielder Austin Jackson, after Jackson left Sunday's game with back spasms. The rookie is hitting .308 with 10 stolen bases this season. But more importantly, his defense has been sensational roaming the outfield for Detroit.

Tigers: Valverde's streak ends
Tigers closer Jose Valverde snapped a streak of 25 consecutive scoreless appearances on Sunday when he allowed a run in the ninth to Pittsburgh. He managed to shut the door and earn his 13th save of the season, however, and his ERA is now 0.66 on the year.

"You can't get by without a great closer," outfielder Johnny Damon said. "He seems to be one of the best out there.

Nationals: Morse makes most of start
Nats outfielder Michael Morse went 1-for-2 with a walk and an RBI in a rare start in right field on Sunday, though the backup outfielder has made the most of his opportunities. He is 11-for-25 (.440) with four RBIs on the season and may be clamoring for more playing time.

Worth nothing
Tigers outfielder Magglio Ordonez and second baseman Carlos Guillen were each held out of the starting lineup Sunday to give them extra rest prior to Monday's scheduled off-day.

... Tigers manager Jim Leyland's son, Patrick, was expected to meet with the Detroit front office soon about a contract after the team selected him in the eighth round of the 2010 First-Year Player Draft.

... The Nats are 5-13 on the road since May 13.




Pitching matchup

DET: RHP Max Scherzer (2-6, 6.30 ERA)
In his last start, Max Scherzer continued to show that his short stint in Triple-A Toledo was extremely beneficial. Unfortunately, in his three starts since being recalled, his win-loss record hasn't indicated how much improvement he's made. Scherzer has posted a 1-2 record, but has only given up a combined eight earned runs in three starts. In his last start, Scherzer allowed three runs on five hits in 7 1/3 innings, while fanning seven batters. But the Tigers' offense was unable to provide any run support to back a solid outing -- a problem many of the Tigers' starters have dealt with of late.


Nationals: LHP John Lannan (2-3, 5.00 ERA)
A day after Stephen Strasburg's dominating performance, Lannan went to the mound and had one of his worst outings on Wednesday night. However, the bullpen and the position players helped the Nationals defeat the Pirates, 7-5, in front of 18,876 fans at Nationals Park. Lannan lasted 4 2/3 innings and allowed five runs -- four earned -- on 10 hits. He said he didn't feel any pressure following up Strasburg's huge performance.


From MLB Tigers Game Notes

RECENT RESULTS: The Tigers posted a 4-3 win over the Pirates on Sunday afternoon at Comerica Park to complete a three-game sweep over the club. Brad Thomas (4-0) picked up the win in relief, while Jose Valverde closed out the game for his 13th save of the season. Miguel Cabrera belted a three-run home run for the Tigers, while Alex Avila added a solo home run. The Tigers continue a nine-game homestand with the first game of a three-game series versus Washington this evening. The homestand concludes with a three-game series against Arizona beginning on Friday night.

TIGERS ASK UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE WAIVERS ON EVERETT: The Tigers today announced the club has asked unconditional release waivers on shortstop Adam Everett. Everett had his contract designated for assignment by the Tigers on June 8.

INTERLEAGUE HAPPENINGS: Tonight’s contest against the Nationals is Detroit’s seventh game of interleague play in 2010. Since interleague play started in 1997, the Tigers have compiled a 127-108 record. The Tigers are 60-33 in interleague games at Comerica Park. Detroit is 4-2 in interleague games during the 2010 season.

AMONG THE BEST SINCE 2006: The Tigers have compiled a 56-22 record, a .718 winning percentage, during interleague play since the start of the 2006 season. The .718 winning percentage during interleague action is tied for the best among major league clubs during that stretch. The Minnesota Twins are 56-22, a .718 winning percentage, during interleague action over that stretch as well.

TIGERS PILE UP THE WINS IN INTERLEAGUE PLAY AT HOME: The Tigers have posted a 32-6 record, an .842 winning percentage, during interleague action over the club’s last 38 games at Comerica Park dating back to May 20, 2006.

MAGGLIO MASHES DURING INTERLEAGUE ACTION: Magglio Ordonez enters tonight’s game versus Washington hitting .333 (209x628) with 40 doubles, three triples, 34 home runs and 140 RBI in 170 games during interleague action in his career. He is fourth among all active major league players with a .333 batting average during interleague action, while he is seventh with a .568 slugging percentage.

COKE, THOMAS BOTH START 4-0 FOR THE TIGERS: Brad Thomas earned the win on Sunday versus the Pirates to improve his record to 4-0, one day after Phil Coke improved his record to 4-0 as well. Thomas and Coke are the fourth pair of pitchers to begin a season 4-0 or better in their first year with the Tigers. Ed Siever and Emil Frisk did so in 1901, while Suds Sutherland and Bert Cole did so in 1921 and Doyle Alexander and Mike Henneman did so in 1987. (Source: Elias Sports Bureau)

MIGGY MASHES AGAINST THE NATIONALS: Miguel Cabrera enters tonight’s game versus Washington hitting .362 (109x301) with 16 doubles, a triple, 21 home runs and 75 RBI in 82 games during his career against the club. He is third among all active major league players with a .362 batting average against the Nationals, while he is fifth with a .631 slugging percentage.

ORDONEZ ON THE OFFENSIVE: Magglio Ordonez is batting .373 (28x75) with 16 runs scored, two doubles, a triple, four home runs and 18 RBI over his last 20 games dating back to May 13. He is third among all American League players with a .442 on-base percentage during that stretch, while he is fourth with a .373 batting average.

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 77 hits, while he is second with a .308 batting average. Boesch is tops among all league rookies with a .342 batting average, eight home runs and 30 RBI, while he is second with 52 hits.

BULLISH BEHAVIOR: Tigers relievers have compiled a 15-6 record and 2.98 ERA (187.0IP/62ER) through the club’s first 62 games this season. Tigers relievers lead the American League with 15 victories, while the club is second with a 2.98 ERA and sixth with 187.0 innings pitched.

HOME IS WHERE THE MOUND IS: Tigers pitchers have compiled a 3.42 ERA (274.0IP/104ER) through the club’s first 30 games at home, while they have limited opponents to a .241 batting average (248x1031). The Tigers are third in the American League with a 3.42 ERA at home this season, while the club is fifth with a .241 batting average against.

EXTRA, EXTRA: The Tigers have collected at least one extra-base hit in 57 of the club’s 62 games this season. Detroit is sixth among all American League clubs with 197 extrabase hits this season. Additionally, Detroit is fourth in the league with 130 doubles.

INJURY UPDATE:
RHP Zach Miner (right elbow tendinitis, 15-day DL on March 26),
RHP Ryan Perry (right shoulder bicipital tendinitis, 15-day DL on June 7),
LHP Bobby Seay (left shoulder strain, 60-day DL on March 26).



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Up next (Probable Pitchers)


• Wednesday, June 16
Tigers (RHP Justin Verlander (7-4, 3.56 ERA)) VS Nationals (RHP Livan Hernandez (5-3, 2.28 ERA)), 7:05 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / 1270 & 97.1)

• Thursday, June 17
Tigers (RHP Jeremy Bonderman (2-4, 4.21 ERA)) VS Nationals (RHP Luis Atilano (5-3, 4.34 ERA)), 1:05 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / 1270 & 97.1)

STARTING LINEUPS:

Washington AVG
Guzman, C, 2B .304
Morgan, CF .249
Zimmerman, R, 3B .306
Dunn, A, DH .289
Willingham, LF .273
Rodriguez, I, C .338
Bernadina, RF .282
Morse, 1B .423
Desmond, SS .276
Totals .263

Detroit AVG
Raburn, CF .165
Damon, DH .294
Ordonez, RF .312
Cabrera, M, 1B .330
Boesch, LF .342
Guillen, C, 2B .299
Inge, 3B .253
Laird, C .160
Worth, SS .257
Totals .270

Current Conditions

Comerica Park

Partly Cloudy 77 F

Humidity: 64 %

Wind: from the ESE at 11 mph

Barometer: 30.02 in

last updated: 6/15/10 5:25 PM EDT

Inning 1
Top Half

B:1 S:3 O:1 -
Cristian Guzman swinging.

B:1 S:1 O:1 -
Nyjer Morgan singles on a bunt ground ball to catcher Gerald Laird.

B:0 S:1 O:1 - With Ryan Zimmerman batting, Nyjer
Morgan steals (13) 2nd base, . Nyjer Morgan advances to 3rd, on
throwing error by catcher Gerald Laird.

B:0 S:1 O:2 -
Ryan Zimmerman out on a sacrifice fly to right fielder Magglio Ordonez. Nyjer Morgan scores.

WSH 1, DET 0



B:3 S:3 O:3 -
Adam Dunn called out on .

WSH 1, DET 0 after .5 inning

Bottom Half

B:2 S:3 O:1 -
Ryan Raburn called out on .

B:0 S:1 O:2 -
Johnny Damon grounds out, shortstop Ian Desmond to first baseman Mike Morse.

B:2 S:2 O:2 -
Magglio Ordonez singles on a ground ball to center fielder Nyjer Morgan.

B:4 S:1 O:2 -
Miguel Cabrera walks. Magglio Ordonez to 2nd.


B:2 S:2 O:3 - Brennan Boesch grounds into a force out,
shortstop Ian Desmond to second baseman Cristian Guzman. Miguel Cabrera
out at 2nd.

WSH 1, DET 0 after 1 inning

Inning 2
Top Half

B:4 S:2 O:0 -
Josh Willingham walks.

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

B:1 S:1 O:1 -
Roger Bernadina singles on a ground ball to right fielder Magglio Ordonez. Josh Willingham to 3rd.

B:2 S:3 O:2 -
Mike Morse swinging.

B:0 S:0 O:3 -
Ian Desmond flies out to left fielder Brennan Boesch.

WSH 1, DET 0 after 1.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:1 S:1 O:0 -
Carlos Guillen singles on a line drive to center fielder Nyjer Morgan.

B:2 S:2 O:0 -
Brandon Inge singles on a ground ball to right fielder Roger Bernadina. Carlos Guillen to 2nd.

B:0 S:1 O:0 -
Gerald Laird singles on a ground ball to second baseman Cristian Guzman. Carlos Guillen to 3rd. Brandon Inge to 2nd.


B:0 S:1 O:0 -
Injury Delay.

B:0 S:0 O:1 - Danny Worth grounds into a force out,
shortstop Ian Desmond to catcher Ivan Rodriguez. Carlos Guillen out at
home. Brandon Inge to 3rd. Gerald Laird to 2nd. Danny Worth to 1st.

B:4 S:2 O:1 -
Ryan Raburn walks. Brandon Inge scores. Gerald Laird to 3rd. Danny Worth to 2nd.

WSH 1, DET 1



B:0 S:0 O:2 - Johnny Damon grounds into a force out,
first baseman Mike Morse to catcher Ivan Rodriguez. Gerald Laird out at
home. Danny Worth to 3rd. Ryan Raburn to 2nd. Johnny Damon to 1st.

B:1 S:0 O:3 -
Magglio Ordonez flies out to left fielder Josh Willingham.

WSH 1, DET 1 after 2 innings

Inning 3
Top Half

B:1 S:3 O:1 -
Cristian Guzman swinging.

B:1 S:2 O:1 -
Nyjer Morgan singles on a line drive to center fielder Ryan Raburn.


B:2 S:3 O:2 -
Ryan Zimmerman called out on . Nyjer Morgan steals (14) 2nd base.


B:4 S:0 O:2 -
Max Scherzer intentionally walks Adam Dunn.

B:0 S:2 O:2 -
Josh Willingham singles on a line drive to right fielder Magglio Ordonez. Nyjer Morgan scores. Adam Dunn to 3rd.

WSH 2, DET 1


B:0 S:1 O:2 -
Ivan Rodriguez singles on a ground ball to center fielder Ryan Raburn. Adam Dunn scores. Josh Willingham to 2nd.

WSH 3, DET 1

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

B:2 S:3 O:3 -
Roger Bernadina called out on .

WSH 3, DET 1 after 2.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:1 S:1 O:0 -
Miguel Cabrera doubles (18) on a ground ball to left fielder Josh Willingham.

B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Brennan Boesch grounds out, second baseman Cristian Guzman to first baseman Mike Morse. Miguel Cabrera to 3rd.


B:0 S:1 O:1 -
Carlos Guillen reaches on a fielder's choice, fielded by first baseman Mike Morse. Miguel Cabrera scores.

WSH 3, DET 2




B:2 S:2 O:2 -
Brandon Inge pops out to second baseman Cristian Guzman.

B:1 S:0 O:2 -
Gerald Laird singles on a line drive to left fielder Josh Willingham. Carlos Guillen to 3rd.

B:2 S:2 O:3 - Danny Worth grounds into a force out,
third baseman Ryan Zimmerman to second baseman Cristian Guzman. Gerald
Laird out at 2nd.

WSH 3, DET 2 after 3 innings

Inning 4
Top Half

B:0 S:2 O:0 -
Mike Morse homers (2) on a fly ball to right field.

WSH 4, DET 2



B:1 S:2 O:1 -
Ian Desmond grounds out, third baseman Brandon Inge to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

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


B:2 S:1 O:3 -
Nyjer Morgan flies out to center fielder Ryan Raburn.

WSH 4, DET 2 after 3.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:1 S:0 O:0 -
Ryan Raburn singles on a ground ball to center fielder Nyjer Morgan.

B:2 S:2 O:1 -
Johnny Damon grounds out to first baseman Mike Morse. Ryan Raburn to 2nd.


B:2 S:2 O:1 -
Magglio Ordonez doubles (11) on a fly ball to left fielder Josh Willingham. Ryan Raburn scores.

WSH 4, DET 3




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

B:4 S:2 O:1 -
Brennan Boesch walks. Magglio Ordonez to 3rd. Miguel Cabrera to 2nd.


B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Carlos Guillen out on a sacrifice fly to left fielder Josh Willingham. Magglio Ordonez scores.

WSH 4, DET 4



B:0 S:2 O:3 - Brandon Inge grounds into a force out,
third baseman Ryan Zimmerman to second baseman Cristian Guzman. Brennan
Boesch out at 2nd.

WSH 4, DET 4 after 4 innings

Inning 5
Top Half

B:2 S:3 O:1 -
Ryan Zimmerman called out on .

B:2 S:3 O:2 -
Adam Dunn swinging.

B:3 S:1 O:2 -
Josh Willingham singles on a line drive to left fielder Brennan Boesch.

B:2 S:3 O:3 -
Ivan Rodriguez on foul tip.

9 for Max!

WSH 4, DET 4 after 4.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Gerald Laird singles on a line drive to left fielder Josh Willingham. (3 for 3 for Gerald)

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

B:2 S:1 O:0 -
Danny Worth reaches on fielding error by second baseman Cristian Guzman. Gerald Laird to 2nd.

B:1 S:0 O:0 -
Ryan Raburn homers (1) on a fly ball to left field. Gerald Laird scores. Danny Worth scores.

DET 7, WSH 4

B:1 S:2 O:1 -
Johnny Damon pops out to third baseman Ryan Zimmerman.

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

B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Pitcher Change: Tyler Walker replaces John Lannan.

B:1 S:0 O:1 -
Magglio Ordonez doubles (12) on a ground ball to left fielder Josh Willingham.

B:3 S:1 O:2 -
Miguel Cabrera flies out to center fielder Nyjer Morgan.

B:0 S:2 O:3 -
Brennan Boesch grounds out, shortstop Ian Desmond to first baseman Mike Morse.

DET 7, WSH 4 after 5 innings

Inning 6
Top Half

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

B:2 S:1 O:2 -
Mike Morse flies out to right fielder Magglio Ordonez.

B:0 S:0 O:3 -
Ian Desmond grounds out, second baseman Carlos Guillen to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

DET 7, WSH 4 after 5.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Carlos Guillen flies out to right fielder Roger Bernadina.

B:2 S:2 O:2 -
Brandon Inge pops out to second baseman Cristian Guzman.


B:1 S:1 O:3 -
Gerald Laird flies out to center fielder Nyjer Morgan.

DET 7, WSH 4 after 6 innings

Inning 7
Top Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Pitcher Change: Phil Coke replaces Max Scherzer.

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

B:1 S:3 O:2 -
Nyjer Morgan swinging.

B:2 S:2 O:3 -
Ryan Zimmerman grounds out, third baseman Brandon Inge to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

DET 7, WSH 4 after 6.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:2 S:0 O:1 -
Danny Worth grounds out, shortstop Ian Desmond to first baseman Mike Morse.

B:2 S:2 O:2 -
Ryan Raburn flies out to left fielder Josh Willingham.

B:1 S:1 O:3 -
Johnny Damon grounds out, second baseman Cristian Guzman to first baseman Mike Morse.

DET 7, WSH 4 after 7 innings

Inning 8
Top Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Defensive Substitution: Don Kelly replaces center fielder Ryan Raburn, batting 1st, playing center field.

B:0 S:3 O:1 -
Adam Dunn swinging.

B:0 S:3 O:1 -
Coaching visit to mound.

B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Pitcher Change: Joel Zumaya replaces Phil Coke.


B:2 S:1 O:2 -
Josh Willingham pops out to first baseman Miguel Cabrera in foul territory.

B:1 S:2 O:3 -
Ivan Rodriguez grounds out, shortstop Danny Worth to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

DET 7, WSH 4 after 7.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Pitcher Change: Sean Burnett replaces Tyler Walker.

B:1 S:0 O:0 -
Magglio Ordonez singles on a ground ball to shortstop Ian Desmond. (1st 4 hit game this year for Maggs)


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

B:0 S:3 O:2 -
Brennan Boesch called out on .

B:1 S:1 O:3 -
Carlos Guillen pops out to shortstop Ian Desmond.

DET 7, WSH 4 after 8 innings

Inning 9
Top Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Pitcher Change: Jose Valverde replaces Joel Zumaya.

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Roger Bernadina hit by pitch.


B:1 S:3 O:1 -
Mike Morse swinging.

B:2 S:3 O:2 -
Ian Desmond swinging. Roger Bernadina to 2nd.


B:4 S:1 O:2 -
Cristian Guzman walks.


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

B:2 S:1 O:3 -
Nyjer Morgan grounds out, second baseman Carlos Guillen to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.


DET 7, WSH 4 final box score >>click here<<