Starting for the Detroit Tigers in the final game of this three-game set is Michael Fulmer (9-2, 2.41 ERA). He gave up five runs over five innings with four strikeouts and two walks in a no-decision Friday against the Chicago White Sox. Detroit still managed to win that game, 7-5. The Tigers have now won their last five games with Fulmer as their starter. The right-hander has a 6-1 record in his last 10 starts with a 1.28 ERA.
Meanwhile, the Red Sox will counter with Eduardo Rodriguez (2-4, 6.70 ERA). The lefty has excelled since returning from Triple-A Pawtucket, surrendering just three runs over 12.1 innings. He will fancy his chances of sustaining that terrific form tonight as he has fared extremely well against the Tigers of late. He held Detroit to a single run over seven innings in his only start against them last season.
There’s no denying the fact that the Boston Red Sox hold the advantage in the batting department for today’s series finale. The Red Sox lead the majors in RBIs (531), hits (1,009), batting average (.290), runs scored (557) and on-base percentage (.356) this season. Providing the impetus for the Red Sox’ resurgence is the red-hot David Ortiz. He leads the Red Sox in homers (25), RBIs (84), batting average (.328) and on-base percentage (.418) this campaign. With his three-run blast on Tuesday, Ortiz now has racked up 997 extra-base hits in his career.
That being said, the Tigers’ hitters also pack some offensive punch. They have hit a whopping 130 home runs this season, sixth-most in the entire majors. They displayed their offensive prowess in the 9-8 win against Boston on Tuesday wherein Miguel Cabrera hit a towering two-run homer. Spearheading the Tigers’ attack this season is Ian Kinsler. He leads Detroit in homers (20), RBIs (57) and hits (118) this campaign. Kinsler will be licking his chops at the prospect of facing Rodriguez as he has hit well against lefties this season. He is hitting .310 against left-handed pitchers with five homers and 15 RBIs this campaign.
