Vince Velasquez (5-1, 2.42 ERA) takes the hill for the Philadelphia Phillies (25-19) as they square off against Mike Pelfrey (0-4, 5.49 ERA) and the Detroit Tigers (21-22) in the first of a three-game series at Comerica Park. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Monday, May. 23 and can be seen on CSPh and FSDT.
Pelfrey pitched 5.1 innings in his last outing, surrendering two runs, striking out three and walking one in a 7-2 win over the Twins. Nick Castellanos (.340, 21 Rs, 8 HRs, 30 RBIs, 1 SB) had another good game yesterday, going 2 for 5 with one run. Velasquez went 5.0 innings, surrendering zero runs, striking out 10 and walking two in a 3-1 win over the Marlins in his most recent start. Odubel Herrera (.325, 26 Rs, 4 HRs, 13 RBIs, 6 SBs) has been successful at the plate for the Phillies, going 2 for 3 yesterday with one run.
Notes
Detroit has won 45% (9-11) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Philadelphia has won 47% (8-9) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Phillies are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Tigers have a 6-8 record when opponents give up one walk or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Tigers are 17-6. The Phillies have a 15-2 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 29th, Philadelphia sits near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 142 this season. Detroit ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 198.
Ranking 28th, Philadelphia is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.653). Detroit ranks in the top 10 at eighth with an OPS of .760.
The Phillies are 9-15 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Tigers are 13-17 when they allow at least one homer.
