Justin Verlander (12-6, 3.42 ERA) and the Detroit Tigers (63-55) go up against Danny Duffy (9-1, 2.82 ERA) and the Kansas City Royals (58-60) in the second of a three-game division series at Comerica Park. The Royals won the last game 3-1, and Kansas City leads the series 1-0. The game starts at 7:10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 16 and will air on FSKC and FSDT.
In his last start, Verlander pitched 7.0 innings, giving up one run, striking out six and walking two in a 3-1 loss to the Mariners. J.D. Martinez (.305, 45 Rs, 16 HRs, 45 RBIs, 1 SB) played well again yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one run, one home run, and one RBI. The Royals were victorious over the White Sox 2-1 the last time Duffy pitched. He went 9.0 innings, allowing one run and striking out six. Cheslor Cuthbert (.298, 35 Rs, 10 HRs, 37 RBIs, 1 SB) has been hitting the ball well for the Royals, going 2 for 4 yesterday.
Notes
When leading after seven innings, Detroit is 31-24, while Kansas City is 23-29.
The Royals are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Tigers have a 13-20 record when opponents give up one walk or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Royals are 46-16. The Tigers have a 48-11 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 27th, Kansas City sits near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 460 this season. Detroit ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 551.
Ranking 25th, Kansas City is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.710). Detroit ranks in the top 10 at seventh with an OPS of .766.
When the Royals allow at least one home run, they are 37-49, well-matched with the Tigers who are 32-38 when allowing at least one homer.
