Jordan Zimmermann (6-2, 2.45 ERA) starts for the Detroit Tigers (20-22) as they square off against Chris Archer (3-4, 4.38 ERA) and the Tampa Bay Rays (20-20) in the last of a three-game series at Comerica Park. The Tigers won the last game 5-4, and the series is currently tied 1-1. Action begins at 1:10 p.m. ET on Sunday, May. 22 and can be seen on FSDT and SUN.
Zimmermann pitched 7.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering eight runs (one unearned) and striking out nine in a 10-8 win over the Twins. Nick Castellanos (.338, 20 Rs, 8 HRs, 30 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 4 yesterday. Archer went 6.0 innings, surrendering two runs, striking out seven and walking four in a 12-2 win over the Blue Jays in his last outing. Steve Pearce (.303, 16 Rs, 7 HRs, 18 RBIs) went 1 for 3 yesterday.
Notes
Detroit has won 42% (8-11) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Tampa Bay has won 53% (8-7) of its games when taking a late lead.
After a weak showing last week where they got in six hits, the Rays need to step it up. The Tigers have a record of 5-4 when opponents get six hits or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Tigers are 16-6. The Rays have a 14-4 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 20th, Tampa Bay sits in the bottom half of the league in runs, scoring 170 this season. Detroit ranks in the top half at 11th with 189.
Ranking 11th, Tampa Bay is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.738). Detroit ranks in the top 10 at ninth with an OPS of .753.
When the Rays allow at least one home run, they are 8-19. When the Tigers allow one or more homers, they have a 12-17 record.
