NewsTigers stay focused on series finale
Detroit (78-67) vs. Kansas City (58-87), 1:05 p.m. ET
By Jason Beck / MLB.com
09/17/09 2:09 AM ET
DETROIT -- The Tigers avoided facing Zack Greinke in their series finale at Kansas City last week, and lost the game. Greinke had been pushed back. Likewise, the Blue Jays pushed back Roy Halladay a day, avoiding a meeting with Detroit on Monday. The Tigers had to come back in the ninth to win that one. They couldn't avoid facing Greinke again, but the way their past series finales have gone, maybe that isn't totally a bad thing. On a day when the Tigers might otherwise be looking forward to a critical showdown with the Twins this weekend in Minnesota, they have to worry about the American League Cy Young candidate instead. Greinke is winless in his other two starts at Comerica Park this year, and winless in his last two starts overall despite allowing one run over 15 innings. So he would be excused if he's motivated for a win, no matter where the Royals sit in the standings. It won't be easy. But then, the way the Tigers have been playing lately, few games are. "He's not leading Major League Baseball in ERA for no good reason," shortstop Adam Everett said. "He's tough, so we have to come out ready to play. But we've got a good guy out on the hill, too." That would be Edwin Jackson, who coincidentally owns one of the lowest run-support averages among AL starters. It was Everett whose RBI double and single Wednesday helped pull a win out of a game in which the Tigers had just two extra-base hits, both doubles. They can't expect a whole lot more against Greinke on Thursday, though they can always hope. The key will be to convert the opportunities they have, much like they did in their meeting with Greinke on July 8 in Detroit. The Tigers turned a couple key small plays -- a chopped single from Placido Polanco in the first inning, a bunt single from Gerald Laird in the second -- into three runs and made it stick. Greinke allowed only one other scoring chance, which the Tigers didn't convert, but they made it work. Now, with a chance to open more room in the AL Central race, they have to try to do the same. Detroit maintained its lead at 4 1/2 games over second-place Minnesota thanks to Wednesday's win. With the Twins idle, the Tigers can open a five-game lead with a win Thursday. Do that, and the extra cushion provides a little more reason to relax this weekend, not to mention a chance to potentially reduce the Twins to a long shot with a series victory. But that's looking too far, especially with Greinke on the mound Thursday. "If you get out here and you start overlooking teams, then you're going to get beat," Everett said. "It's an old cliche, but we just have to take it one game at a time. Honestly, we do, because every game is very, very crucial right now. Anytime we can get a win, that gets us one step closer to our goal, and that's the playoffs." Pitching matchupDET: RHP Edwin Jackson (12-6, 3.22 ERA)
While Jackson continues to eat innings for the Tigers, his once-stingy outings have had a little more offense, raising questions whether he's tiring down the stretch as he approaches the 200-innings mark for the first time in his career. His no-decision Saturday against Toronto saw him tie a career high with three home runs allowed, including one in each of his last two innings. Without much command of his secondary pitches, Jackson attacked Blue Jays hitters and eventually paid for it. KC: RHP Zack Greinke (13-8, 2.19 ERA)
Greinke was done in by poor run support once again on Friday. He dominated the Indians, but the Royals left too many runners on base and Greinke left with a no-decision. It was his eighth no-decision of the season and the sixth time he has given up one run or none without getting a win. He pitched seven innings, giving up a run on four hits with six strikeouts and no walks in all. Greinke continues to pitch well in his attempt to win the Cy Young award, but his team will need to give him more wins to bolster his case. He is 10-5 with a 2.62 ERA career against the Tigers. Tidbits
Gerald Laird is 5-for-12 off Greinke this year, including a double. Polanco is 5-for-14 this season against him. ... Michigan native Mitch Maier is 3-for-4 off Jackson this year. ... Nate Robertson is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Thursday morning. If all goes well, he's expected to start in place of the injured Jarrod Washburn on Sunday at Minnesota. ... Polanco is batting .339 (19-for-56) with seven RBIs in 14 games in September. ... David DeJesus has a 16-game hitting streak, during which he's batting .338 (23-for-68). Tickets
Buy tickets now to catch the game in person.
On the Internet
MLB.TV
Gameday Audio• Gameday
• Official game notes On television
• FS-D HD, MLBN On radio
• WXYT 1270/97.1 FM Up next
• Friday: Tigers (Rick Porcello, 13-8, 4.21) at Twins (Brian Duensing, 3-1, 3.53), 8:10 p.m. ET
• Saturday: Tigers (Justin Verlander, 16-8, 3.34) at Twins (Carl Pavano, 12-11, 4.91), 4:10 p.m. ET
• Sunday: Tigers (Nate Robertson, 1-2, 5.35) at Twins (Scott Baker, 13-8, 4.35), 2:10 p.m. ET
Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
