The Texas Rangers and Detroit Tigers close out a three-game series in the American League Thursday afternoon at Comerica Park
Texas has dropped three straight games and nine of 14 heading into its final game of a six-game road trip. The Rangers clubhouse is not panicking in having their lead in the AL West cut to just a single game. “Stay the course,” said designated hitter Michael Young. “During a long season, the best teams are the most mentally tough teams.” Despite a 1-4 record on its current trip, the pitching staff still leads the majors with a 3.17 road ERA. Texas is 17-17 in day games and 43-32 versus right-handed starters this year.
Rangers starting pitcher Alexi Ogando is 10-5 with a 2.88 ERA in 20 starts this season and will be looking to snap a two-game losing streak. The right-hander has received just two runs of support over that span, while allowing six runs and 11 hits over 12 1/3 innings. Ogando has tallied an even 3-3 record and 3.13 ERA in nine road starts, while allowing opponents to hit just .201 against him. He has been masterful in five career appearances (two starts) when matching up against the Tigers, posting a perfect 2-0 record and 1.06 ERA. Both of those victories have come this year.
Detroit closes out a seven-game homestand this afternoon and has won 16 of its last 19 games against Texas at Comerica Park. The Tigers 5-4 win last night moved their record to a season-high eight games above .500 and also pushed its lead in the AL Central to four games. Offensively, the club has murdered Texas pitching this year, hitting .324 with 10 home runs in eight meetings. The Tigers are focused on completing their first sweep of the Rangers since May 19-21, 2009. Detroit is 26-17 in day games this season.
Tigers starting pitcher Brad Penny is 7-8 with a 4.89 ERA in 21 starts this year and will also be aiming to end a two-game losing streak. He has been terrible over that span, giving up 11 runs and 16 hits in 10 1/3 frames. Penny will be toeing the rubber for the 15th time during the day, posting a 6-5 record and 5.19 ERA. The 33-year-old has been much better at home than on the road, bringing in a 4-3 record and 3.86 ERA in 12 outings at Comerica Park compared to a 3-5 mark and 6.36 ERA in nine road starts.
At the time of this writing, Texas was listed as a -132 road favorite and the total stands at 9 under (-115)