Anibal Sanchez (3-4, 5.91 ERA) and the Detroit Tigers (19-21) go up against Matt Andriese (2-0, 0.56 ERA) and the Tampa Bay Rays (19-19) in the first of a three-game series at Comerica Park. The game starts at 7:10 p.m. ET on Friday, May. 20 and will air on FSDT and SUN.
In his last start, Sanchez pitched 6.0 innings, allowing four runs, striking out four and walking two in a 9-3 loss to the Orioles. Nick Castellanos (.350, 19 Rs, 8 HRs, 30 RBIs, 1 SB) played well again Wednesday, going 2 for 4 with one run. The Rays were victorious the last time Andriese pitched. He pitched well, going 9.0 innings, allowing zero runs and striking out five in a 6-0 victory over the Athletics. Steve Pearce (.301, 14 Rs, 6 HRs, 17 RBIs) has been doing well offensively for the Rays, going 2 for 3 Wednesday with one run and one RBI.
Notes
The Tigers are coming off of a hot pitching game where they recorded 11 strikeouts. The Rays have a record of 3-7 when they are struck out that many times or more.
When they are outhit, the Rays are 2-13. The Tigers have a 4-13 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking first in home runs, Tampa Bay has hit 58 this season. Detroit ranks eighth with 49 home runs.
Detroit and Tampa Bay both rank near the bottom of the league in walks. Detroit sits at 22nd with 112 this season and Tampa Bay ranks 23rd with 111.
When the Tigers hit at least one home run, they are 18-11. When the Rays hit at least one homer, they have a 17-13 record.
