GDT: 8/24/11 - DET (70-58) AT TB (69-58) - 7:10 p.m. ET

Davis, Scherzer hitting stride heading into matchup

By Jon Star / MLB.com | 8/23/2011 11:45 PM ET

Justin Verlander's 19 wins have been a focal point of the Tigers' pitching success this season. But Detroit's climb to the top of the American League Central can also be attributed to the recent pitching of Max Scherzer. The right-hander has quietly improved during the second half, as he boasts a 3.13 ERA -- which is more than 1 1/2 runs lower than his ERA prior to the All-Star break (4.69).

Now 13-7 on the season and fresh off back-to-back wins -- including a seven-inning, one-run effort against the Indians -- in which he allowed five earned runs over 14 innings with a 16-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio, Scherzer is giving Tigers manager Jim Leyland a second starter he can rely on.

"He's got good stuff," said the Detroit skipper. "This guy can throw the ball 95-96 mph. He's got a very good changeup, and I think when he pitches his really good games, he's got a good slider. ... When he's got all three going, that's what happened the second half of last year."

Command of all of his pitches has stretched back to the end of June. Scherzer has walked nobody in an outing three times in his last 10 starts, including his Aug. 10 start in Baltimore, when he struck out 10. In light of Verlander's success, Scherzer believes he and the rest of the Tigers' staff needs to step up their collective game if the club is to hold on to the division lead.

"We know we all want to make the playoffs, and we know that, as a staff, we've got to pitch well," Scherzer said. "One through five, it doesn't matter. Obviously, Verlander is having one of the best seasons anybody is going to have, but we have to pitch well. ... Everybody on the pitching staff, everybody in the clubhouse, has to play to their potential."

Following a shaky July, Wade Davis is getting back to his potential -- though he has taken a no-decision in each of his last three starts. Davis has tallied 21 innings in that stretch, allowing eight earned runs with 16 strikeouts and six walks. Davis made one start against the Tigers earlier this season, allowing five runs (four earned) on eight hits over six innings on May 24. Davis has yet to record a decision in two career starts against the Tigers, who he owns a 3.46 career ERA against in 13 innings.

Tigers: Peralta, Martinez pounding the Rays
• Jhonny Peralta has hit safely in seven straight games, a run which has continued vs. the Rays, a team which he has enjoyed much success against in the past. Peralta is a lifetime .319 (74-for-232) hitter, with 10 home runs, 41 RBI and 12 doubles, against Tampa Bay. He is hitting .294 (5-for-17) with five RBIs against the Rays this season, including three hits and three RBIs in this series.

• Victor Martinez is a career .376 (90-for-239) hitter in 60 games against the Rays, with eight home runs and 44 RBIs. His batting average versus Tampa Bay pitching, and his .413 (50-for-121) average at Tropicana Field are both the highest among active players.

• The Tigers' streak of homering in 10 straight games came to an end on Tuesday. It was the franchise's longest streak since the Tigers went yard in 10 consecutive games between Aug. 11-21, 2009.

Rays: Longoria reaching high marks
• Evan Longoria has homered 10 times in his last 31 games -- and 16 times in his last 54 games dating back to June 20, after homering just five times prior to then (in 44 games). The third baseman leads the Majors with 60 RBIs since June 11 (63 games). His six 4-RBI games this season tie Prince Fielder for the Major League lead. According to STATS, Inc., Longoria's power surge has led him to become the seventh player in American League history to record 20 home runs and 20 doubles in each of his first four full seasons. Mark Teixeira was the last to accomplish the feat (2003-06).

Worth noting
• Ben Zobrist has tallied 52 home runs and 56 stolen bases since the start of the 2009 season, joining Curtis Granderson and Ian Kinsler as the only three AL players to reach the 50-50 plateau in that stretch.

• Miguel Cabrera recorded his first career hit against David Price on Tuesday. The Tigers' slugger entered the game 0-for-10 in his career against the Rays' ace.

Tigers: RHP Max Scherzer (13-7, 4.23 ERA)

After two so-so performances, Scherzer threw a career-high 127 pitches in a win against the Indians. Scherzer has thrown at least 116 pitches in five of his past seven starts and said his arms feels great.


Rays: RHP Wade Davis (8-7, 4.43 ERA)

Davis pitched well Friday night against the Mariners, allowing one earned run on seven hits in seven innings, but got a no-decision. Davis is 4-2 since June 12 and is 3-4 with a 3.95 ERA in 11 starts at Tropicana Field this season.


Game Information

RECENT RESULTS: The Tigers knocked off the Rays 2-1 last night, the club’s fifth straight win. Brad Penny (9-9) earned the win for Detroit, while Phil Coke worked the final two innings for his first save of the season. Alex Avila singled, doubled and drove in a run for the Tigers, while Jhonny Peralta added a single and an RBI. The Tigers continue a sevengame road trip tonight with the third game of a four-game series at Tampa Bay. Following tomorrow afternoon’s game, the club heads to Minnesota for a three-game series beginning on Friday evening.

RECENT ROAD SUCCESS: The Tigers enter tonight’s game at Tampa Bay having won 15 of the club’s last 23 games on the road dating back to July 6. Detroit is second among all American League clubs with a .652 winning on the road during that stretch.

SIX-GAME WINNING STREAK OVER THE RAYS: The Tigers have won each of the club’s last six games versus the Tampa Bay Rays dating back to August 11, 2010. It marks the longest winning streak by the Tigers over the Rays.

MARTINEZ THE MAN VERSUS TAMPA BAY: Victor Martinez enters tonight’s game batting .377 (90x239) with 16 doubles, eight home runs and 44 RBI in 60 games during his career versus Tampa Bay. He is tops among all active major league players with a .377 batting average against the Rays. Martinez is hitting .413 (50x121) with six doubles, seven home runs and 19 RBI in 29 games during his career at Tropicana Field. He leads all active major league players with a .413 batting average at Tropicana Field.

JHONNY ON THE SPOT AGAINST THE RAYS: Jhonny Peralta enters tonight’s game at Tampa Bay hitting .319 (74x232) with 12 doubles, two triples, 10 home runs and 41 RBI in 63 games during his career against the club. He is eighth among all active major league players with a .319 batting average versus the Rays.

VALVERDE’S CONVERTING SAVES: Jose Valverde converted his 37th consecutive save to begin the season on Sunday versus Cleveland. His 37 straight saves converted is the longest such streak during a single season in Tigers history. His streak surpasses Guillermo Hernandez who converted 32 straight save opportunities April 6-September 23, 1984.

VICTOR AT THE BAT: Victor Martinez is hitting .338 (97x287) with 16 doubles, four home runs and 45 RBI over his last 76 games dating back to May 27. He is third among all American League players with a .338 batting average during that stretch.

BULLISH BEHAVIOR: Tigers relievers have compiled a 1.55 ERA (58.0IP/10ER) and 58 strikeouts over the club’s last 18 games dating back to August 4. During the 18-game stretch, club relievers have limited opponents to a .185 batting average (37x200).

MARTINEZ COMES THROUGH WITH RUNNERS IN SCORING POSITION: Victor Martinez is hitting .500 (17x34) with runners in scoring position for the Tigers dating back to July 17. He enters tonight’s game against the Rays tops in the American League with a .404 batting average with runners in scoring position.

AVILA’S AWESOME AUGUST: Alex Avila enters tonight’s game hitting .429 (27x63) with six doubles, a triple, five home runs and 15 RBI in 19 games during August. He is tops among American League players with a .429 batting average, .544 on-base percentage and .794 slugging percentage during the month.

BENOIT ON THE BALL: Joaquin Benoit enters this evening’s game with a 2-0 record, 1.83 ERA (34.1IP/7ER), two saves and 32 strikeouts over his last 38 outings dating back to May 20. He has limited opponents to a .198 batting average (23x116) during the stretch.

RESCHEDULED GAMES: The following is the information on the rescheduled Tigers games postponed at Comerica Park this season:
- Thursday, September 1 versus Kansas City at 1:05 p.m. (rescheduled from May 15)

INJURY UPDATE:

• INF Carlos Guillen (sore left wrist, 15-day disabled list on August 13),
• RHP Al Alburquerque (concussion, 7-day disabled list on August 12).
• RHP Joel Zumaya (right elbow olecranon fracture surgery, 60-day disabled list on March 30).
• LHP Brad Thomas (left elbow inflammation, 60-day DL on May 11)



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• Thursday, August 25:
Tigers (RHP Doug Fister (2-1, 4.57 ERA)) AT
Rays (RHP Jeremy Hellickson (11-8, 3.04 ERA)),
1:10 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / WXYT 97.1 FM & 1270 AM)

• Friday, August 26:
Tigers (RHP Rick Porcello (11-8, 5.17 ERA)) AT
Twins (RHP Anthony Swarzak (3-3, 3.12 ERA)),
8:10 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / WXYT 97.1 FM & 1270 AM)

• Saturday, August 27:
Tigers (RHP Justin Verlander (19-5, 2.28 ERA)) AT
Twins (RHP Carl Pavano (6-10, 4.54 ERA)),
4:10 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / WXYT 97.1 FM & 1270 AM)

STARTING LINEUPS:

TIGERS

Austin Jackson, CF
Brennan Boesch, RF
Delmon Young, LF
Miguel Cabrera, 1B
Victor Martinez, DH
Alex Avila, C
Jhonny Peralta, SS
Wilson Betemit, 3B
Ramon Santiago, 2B

P: Max Scherzer

RAYS

Desmond Jennings, CF
Johnny Damon, DH
Evan Longoria, 3B
Ben Zobrist, 2B
Matt Joyce, RF
Casey Kotchman, 1B
Sam Fuld, LF
John Jaso, C
Reid Brignac, SS

P: Wade Davis

DET - Top 1st
B:1 S:3 O:1
Austin Jackson called out on .

B:1 S:3 O:2
Brennan Boesch out swinging.

B:1 S:1 O:3
Delmon Young flies out to right fielder Matt Joyce.

TB - Bot 1st
B:2 S:2 O:1
Desmond Jennings flies out to right fielder Brennan Boesch.

B:2 S:1 O:1
Johnny Damon doubles (25) on a line drive to right fielder Brennan Boesch.

B:1 S:3 O:2
Evan Longoria out on foul tip.

B:3 S:2 O:3
Ben Zobrist grounds out, second baseman Ramon Santiago to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

0 - 0 AFTER 1 INNING

DET - Top 2nd
B:4 S:1 O:0
Miguel Cabrera walks.

B:0 S:2 O:2
Victor Martinez grounds into double play, shortstop Reid Brignac to first baseman Casey Kotchman. Miguel Cabrera out at 2nd.

B:0 S:1 O:3
Alex Avila pops out to third baseman Evan Longoria in foul territory.

TB - Bot 2nd
B:0 S:1 O:1
Matt Joyce grounds out, second baseman Ramon Santiago to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:3 S:2 O:2
Casey Kotchman grounds out, shortstop Jhonny Peralta to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:1 S:0 O:3
Sam Fuld bunt grounds out, pitcher Max Scherzer to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

0 - 0 AFTER 2 INNINGS

DET - Top 3rd
B:4 S:2 O:0
Jhonny Peralta walks.

B:0 S:0 O:0
Wilson Betemit singles on a soft fly ball to left fielder Sam Fuld. Jhonny Peralta to 2nd.

B:0 S:1 O:1
Ramon Santiago out on a sacrifice bunt, third baseman Evan Longoria to first baseman Casey Kotchman. Jhonny Peralta to 3rd. Wilson Betemit to 2nd.

B:1 S:0 O:2
Austin Jackson out on a sacrifice fly to right fielder Matt Joyce. Jhonny Peralta scores. Wilson Betemit to 3rd.
1 - 0

B:0 S:3 O:3
Brennan Boesch out swinging.

TB - Bot 3rd
B:3 S:3 O:1
John Jaso out swinging.

B:0 S:1 O:2
Reid Brignac flies out to left fielder Delmon Young.

B:3 S:2 O:2
Desmond Jennings singles on a soft ground ball to shortstop Jhonny Peralta.

B:2 S:1 O:3
Johnny Damon flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson.

1 - 0 AFTER 3 INNINGS

DET - Top 4th
B:0 S:0 O:1
Delmon Young grounds out, third baseman Evan Longoria to first baseman Casey Kotchman.

B:0 S:1 O:2
Miguel Cabrera grounds out, second baseman Ben Zobrist to first baseman Casey Kotchman.

B:1 S:0 O:3
Victor Martinez lines out to shortstop Reid Brignac.

TB - Bot 4th
B:2 S:2 O:0
Evan Longoria homers (22) on a fly ball to left field.
TIED 1 - 1

B:0 S:1 O:1
Ben Zobrist grounds out, shortstop Jhonny Peralta to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:1 S:3 O:2
Matt Joyce out swinging.

B:3 S:1 O:3
Casey Kotchman grounds out to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

TIED 1 - 1 AFTER 4 INNINGS

DET - Top 5th
B:0 S:2 O:1
Alex Avila flies out to left fielder Sam Fuld.

B:0 S:0 O:2
Jhonny Peralta grounds out, third baseman Evan Longoria to first baseman Casey Kotchman.

B:2 S:3 O:3
Wilson Betemit out swinging.

TB - Bot 5th
B:4 S:2 O:0
Sam Fuld walks.

B:4 S:0 O:0
John Jaso walks. Sam Fuld to 2nd.

B:1 S:2 O:1
Reid Brignac flies out to right fielder Brennan Boesch. Sam Fuld to 3rd.

Coaching visit to mound.

B:0 S:3 O:2
Desmond Jennings out swinging.

B:2 S:2 O:2
Johnny Damon doubles (26) on a line drive to center fielder Austin Jackson. Sam Fuld scores. John Jaso to 3rd.
TB 2 - 1

B:3 S:2 O:3
Evan Longoria flies out to left fielder Delmon Young.

TB 2 - 1 AFTER 5 INNINGS

DET - Top 6th
B:0 S:1 O:0
Ramon Santiago singles on a bunt ground ball to second baseman Ben Zobrist.

B:2 S:0 O:1
Austin Jackson lines out to left fielder Sam Fuld.

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

B:1 S:2 O:2
Delmon Young singles on a ground ball to center fielder Desmond Jennings. Ramon Santiago to 2nd.

B:0 S:3 O:3
Miguel Cabrera out on foul tip.

TB - Bot 6th
Pitcher Change: Daniel Schlereth replaces Max Scherzer.

B:1 S:3 O:1
Ben Zobrist out swinging.

B:0 S:0 O:2
Matt Joyce grounds out to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:2 S:3 O:3
Casey Kotchman out swinging, catcher Alex Avila to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

TB 2 - 1 AFTER 6 INNINGS

DET - Top 7th
B:1 S:1 O:1
Victor Martinez grounds out, shortstop Reid Brignac to first baseman Casey Kotchman.

B:1 S:1 O:1
Alex Avila homers (16) on a fly ball to right field.
TIED 2 - 2

B:0 S:2 O:2
Jhonny Peralta lines out to left fielder Sam Fuld.

B:3 S:2 O:2
Wilson Betemit reaches on fielding error by shortstop Reid Brignac.

B:1 S:0 O:3
Ramon Santiago flies out to left fielder Sam Fuld.

TB - Bot 7th
Defensive Substitution: Don Kelly replaces right fielder Brennan Boesch, batting 2nd, playing right field.

B:4 S:1 O:0
Sam Fuld walks.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Elliot Johnson replaces John Jaso.

Coaching visit to mound.

B:0 S:0 O:1
Elliot Johnson out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Daniel Schlereth to second baseman Ramon Santiago. Sam Fuld to 2nd.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter B. J. Upton replaces Reid Brignac.

Coaching visit to mound.

Pitcher Change: Ryan Perry replaces Daniel Schlereth.

B:0 S:3 O:2
B. J. Upton out swinging.

B:4 S:2 O:2
Desmond Jennings walks.

B:1 S:2 O:3
Johnny Damon pops out softly to second baseman Ramon Santiago.

TIED 2 - 2 AFTER 7 INNINGS

DET - Top 8th
Elliot Johnson remains in the game as the shortstop.

Defensive Substitution: Kelly Shoppach replaces B. J. Upton, batting 9th, playing catcher.

B:4 S:2 O:0
Austin Jackson walks.

Coaching visit to mound.

B:1 S:1 O:2
Don Kelly bunt pops into double play, pitcher Wade Davis to first baseman Casey Kotchman. Austin Jackson out at 1st.

B:0 S:0 O:3
Delmon Young lines out to third baseman Evan Longoria.

TB - Bot 8th
B:0 S:0 O:0
Evan Longoria singles on a line drive to center fielder Austin Jackson.

B:3 S:2 O:1
Ben Zobrist flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson.

B:2 S:2 O:1
Matt Joyce singles on a line drive to center fielder Austin Jackson. Evan Longoria to 2nd.

Coaching visit to mound.

B:3 S:2 O:2
Casey Kotchman lines out to left fielder Delmon Young.

B:1 S:3 O:3
Sam Fuld out swinging.

TIED 2 - 2 AFTER 8 INNINGS

DET - Top 9th
B:1 S:1 O:1
Miguel Cabrera flies out to center fielder Desmond Jennings.

B:0 S:1 O:2
Victor Martinez grounds out, second baseman Ben Zobrist to first baseman Casey Kotchman.

B:0 S:0 O:3
Alex Avila flies out to left fielder Sam Fuld in foul territory.

TB - Bot 9th
Pitcher Change: David Pauley replaces Ryan Perry.

B:4 S:2 O:0
Elliot Johnson walks.

B:2 S:0 O:1
Kelly Shoppach out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher David Pauley to second baseman Ramon Santiago. Elliot Johnson to 2nd.

Coaching visit to mound.

B:1 S:2 O:1
Desmond Jennings singles on a ground ball to shortstop Jhonny Peralta.

Coaching visit to mound.

Pitcher Change: Duane Below replaces David Pauley.

B:1 S:1 O:3
Johnny Damon grounds into double play, second baseman Ramon Santiago to shortstop Jhonny Peralta to first baseman Miguel Cabrera. Desmond Jennings out at 2nd.

TIED 2 - 2 AFTER 9 INNINGS

DET - Top 10th
Pitcher Change: Joel Peralta replaces Wade Davis.

B:0 S:0 O:1
Jhonny Peralta grounds out, third baseman Evan Longoria to first baseman Casey Kotchman.

B:1 S:3 O:2
Wilson Betemit out swinging, catcher Kelly Shoppach to first baseman Casey Kotchman.

B:0 S:1 O:3
Ramon Santiago flies out to right fielder Matt Joyce.

TB - Bot 10th
Defensive Substitution: Brandon Inge replaces third baseman Wilson Betemit, batting 8th, playing third base.

B:1 S:1 O:0
Evan Longoria singles on a soft ground ball to third baseman Brandon Inge.

B:1 S:0 O:1
Ben Zobrist grounds into a force out, third baseman Brandon Inge to second baseman Ramon Santiago. Evan Longoria out at 2nd. Ben Zobrist to 1st.

B:1 S:3 O:2
Matt Joyce out swinging.

B:2 S:2 O:2
Casey Kotchman hit by pitch. Ben Zobrist to 2nd.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Sean Rodriguez replaces Sam Fuld.

Coaching visit to mound.

B:4 S:1 O:2
Sean Rodriguez walks. Ben Zobrist to 3rd. Casey Kotchman to 2nd.

B:0 S:2 O:2
Elliot Johnson reaches on a fielder's choice, fielded by third baseman Brandon Inge. Ben Zobrist scores. Casey Kotchman to 3rd. Sean Rodriguez to 2nd.