Tigers at Twins
Detroit had not won back-to-back games since its four-game win streak from April 15-18 before it took the first two games of its series in Minnesota. The Tigers outslugged the Twins 10-6 on Friday and followed up with a 6-3 triumph Saturday to snap an 11-21 stretch over the last five weeks. With the two victories, Detroit crept back to within four games of Cleveland in the American League Central. Minnesota, meanwhile, is 11 games behind, owners of the worst record in baseball at 15-31.
With the exception of Sunday starter P.J. Walters, the Twins have gotten next to nothing from their pitching staff, which ranks last in the majors in ERA (5.50) and quality starts (14). The Tigers have also struggled with inconsistent pitching behind ace Justin Verlander, but the offense has been productive. First baseman Prince Fielder (.311) is 7-for-9 in the series, collecting four singles in Saturday’s victory.
TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports (Detroit), Fox Sports North (Minnesota)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Rick Porcello (3-4, 5.29 ERA) vs. Twins RH P.J. Walters (2-1, 2.95)
Porcello has allowed 15 runs in 14 1/3 innings over his last three starts, all Detroit losses. One of those outings came against Minnesota on May 16, when the right-hander avoided a decision despite allowing six runs (two earned) in four innings. Porcello has generally pitched well against the Twins otherwise, posting a 6-4 record and 2.95 ERA in 13 starts.
After a few cups of coffee with other teams, Walters is emerging as a hidden gem for the Twins this season, making three consecutive quality starts. The last of those was a complete-game victory in Chicago on May 22 (two runs, five hits, eight strikeouts), and he also earned a victory five days earlier in Detroit, allowing three runs on four hits in 6 1/3 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Tigers are only 6-for-29 (.207) against Walters but four of the six hits have been home runs. Only Fielder (1-2, homer, walk) has reached base against Walters more than once.
2. Several Minnesota players have had success against Porcello, led by Jamey Carroll (5-for-12), Denard Span (8-for-22, three RBIs) and Josh Willingham (4-for-7, two doubles).
3. Detroit has won nine of its last 11 games at Target Field.