The San Francisco Giants and Detroit Tigers continue an exciting interleague series Saturday night at Comerica Park
San Francisco Giants at Detroit Tigers
San Francisco snapped a two-game losing streak with a 4-3 win in the series opener at Detroit Friday night and played its 68th game of the season decided by three runs-or-less. The Giants were fortunate to tally a victory after closer Brian Wilson blew a second consecutive save situation. “He made some good pitches,” Giants manager Bruce Bochy commented. “They just got enough of it to get base hits.” The club is now 6-4 all-time against the Tigers, including wins in five of the last six meetings. Offensively, the team is hoping to have more success from its designated hitters over the next two days, entering Saturday’s action hitting only .125 this season. It’s actually an improvement from the .091 mark they posted during last year’s interleague action. San Francisco is 31-31 versus right-handed starters this season.
Giants starting pitcher Barry Zito will be making his fifth start of the season, coming in with a 1-1 record and 4.95 ERA. The left-hander will be throwing on three days rest for only the second time in his career, as the last time came back in 2003. “I don’t really make a big deal out of it as far as physically,” he stated. “You’re either good to go or you’re not.” Zito has made 15 career starts versus the Tigers, owning a 7-6 record and 3.09 ERA, including a 3-1 mark over his last six outings.
Detroit hasn’t been on the losing side of things recently, winning 32 of its last 54 games and that’s especially been the case against National League opponents. The Tigers have compiled a 140-123 all-time mark during interleague action, but is just 6-10 this year. Offensively, the club continues to put up big numbers, batting .300 with 140 runs scored over the last 27 games. Facing Zito this evening on short rest may supply another opportunity for the squad to put up big numbers, but Brandon Inge and Magglio Ordonez are a combined 7 for 49 against him. Detroit is 16-10 versus left-handed starters this year.
Tigers starting pitcher Max Scherzer is 9-3 with a 4.47 ERA in 17 starts this season and is coming off a solid no-decision effort last time out. He allowed two runs and six hits over seven innings in a 4-2 home win over the Blue Jays, while also collecting a season high-tying nine strikeouts. The right-hander has been outstanding at home this year, posting a 5-1 record and 3.13 ERA in 10 outings. Scherzer has made three career starts versus the Giants, going 1-2 with a 2.60 ERA.
Bettors will be interested in backing the Tigers due to their 16-5 record in Scherzer’s 21 starts as a home favorite, while the Giants are 0-6 in Zito’s recent underdog efforts
