Michael Fulmer (2-1, 6.52 ERA) and the Detroit Tigers (19-22) meet Drew Smyly (2-4, 3.44 ERA) and the Tampa Bay Rays (20-19) in the second of a three-game series at Comerica Park. The Rays won the last game 7-5, and Tampa Bay leads the series 1-0. The game starts at 4:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, May. 21 and will air on FSDT and SUN.
In his last start, Fulmer pitched 4.1 innings, giving up five runs (one unearned), striking out six and walking three in a 6-5 victory over the Orioles. Ian Kinsler (.316, 38 Rs, 10 HRs, 24 RBIs, 3 SBs) went 1 for 5 yesterday with one run. The Rays were victorious over the Blue Jays 13-2 the last time Smyly pitched. He went 5.0 innings, allowing one run, striking out six and walking four. Steven Souza Jr. (.276, 19 Rs, 9 HRs, 18 RBIs, 2 SBs) has been doing well, going 2 for 3 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
Notes
When leading after seven innings, Tampa Bay is 8-6, while Detroit is 7-11.
The Rays are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Tigers have an 8-14 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Tigers are 15-6. The Rays have a 14-4 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 21st, Tampa Bay sits near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 166 this season. Detroit ranks in the top half at 11th with 184.
Ranking 11th, Tampa Bay is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.741). Detroit ranks in the top 10 at ninth with an OPS of .750.
When the Rays allow at least one home run, they are 8-18, well-matched with the Tigers who are 11-17 when allowing at least one homer.
