Detroit Tigers Vs. Seattle Mariners Series Preview
By Tony Fischer
Apr 12, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Prince Fielder (28) hits a double during the sixth inning against the Oakland Athletics at O.Co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Tigers (7-5) start a three games series with a Seattle Mariners (6-8) tonight as they continue their swing through the west coast. Seattle has had a lot of success against Detroit in over the last 13 games winning 10 of those match-ups. Mariners pitching will have to contend with a red-hot Detroit Tigers offense led by AL player of the week Prince Fielder. Prince has been reigning over the plate lately hitting .533 4 HR and 18 RBI over his 9 game hitting streak. There are some other Tigers who have active hitting streaks going as well. Austin Jackson looks to continue his strong start and extend his six game hit streak. Torii Hunter and Jhonny Peralta have also been on fire carrying 9 and 7 game streaks into the series.
Chicks Love The Long Ball
And so does the media for that matter. For that reason the starting pitching has not gotten much of the coverage lately. That said it will be the starting pitching that wins this series for the Detroit Tigers. Former Mariner Doug Fister stands on the bump tonight. He brings with him a 2.77 ERA and has not surrendered a hit against Seattle. Detroit will catch the Mariners best two pitchers on this trip. There will be stellar pitching match-ups this series so brace yourself for a few pitchers duels this series.
Tuesday April 16 2013 10:10 pm EST
Doug Fister 2-0 2.77 vs Aaron Harang (no start in 2013)
April 11, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Doug Fister (58) pitches in the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Wednesday April 17 2013 10:10 pm EST
Max Scherzer 1-0 4.09 vs. Felix Hernandez 2-0 2.18
Thursday April 18 2013 3:40 pm EST
Justin Verlander 2-1 1.96 vs Hisashi Iwakuma 2-0 2.18
Seattle Mariners Probable Line-Up
1. Endy Chavez/Frankin Gutierrez – CF
2. Dustin Ackley – 2B
3. Kendrys Morales – DH (.302 3 HR 15 RBI career vs. Detroit)
4. Raul Ibanez – LF (2 HR)
5. Micheal Morse-RF
6. Justin Smoak -1B
7. Jose Montero – C
8. Kyle Seager – 3B
9. Robert Andino – SS
**Key injuries: Micheal Saunders CF
Detroit Tigers Probable Line-Up
1. Austin Jackson – CF (reached base in every game this season)
Apr 14, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Detroit Tigers outfielder Austin Jackson (14) rounds the bases after hitting a home run in the second inning during a game against the Oakland Athetics at O.co Coliseum. Tigers won 10-1. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports
2. Torii Hunter – RF (9 game hit streak)
3. Miguel Cabrera – 3B
4. Prince Fielder – 1B (.533 4 HR and 18 RBI during 9 game hit streak)
5. Victor Martinez – DH
6. Andy Dirks – LF
7. Jhonny Peralta – SS
8. Alex Avila – C
9. Omar Infante – 2B
Matt Tuiasosopo OF/2B could get a start or two against his former team in place of Andy Dirks.
Players To Watch
Seattle Mariners – Kendrys Morales the newest Seattle Mariner was signed to shore up the middle of Mariners line-up that lacked pop in 2012. He has great career numbers against the Detroit Tigers.
Detroit Tigers – Doug Fister and Matt Tuiasosopo are former Mariners who will want to do well against their former team.
The series starts tonight against at 10:10 pm EST. You can catch the game on Fox Sports Detroit and continuing coverage on DetroitJockCity.com and MotorCityBengals.com