Tigers Look to Keep Rolling on the Road Against the Red Sox
The Detroit Tigers, enjoying some real success after a great appearance from Jack Flaherty, are going for the gold back dominates in their four-match series against the Boston Red Sox this Friday. Flaherty nearly tossed a no-hitter and got support from three performance homers, prompting a 5-0 triumph on Thursday. This success included Akil Baddoo’s most memorable homer of the time.
Riley Greene and Gio Urshela added late homers, helping the Tigers achieve a 5-1 record in their last six games and snapping a four-game losing streak on the road.
Riley Greene’s Strategy Against Pivetta
“Nick Pivetta is one of those pitchers where you have to really work at your at-bats, have good plate appearances, and try to get into the bullpen,” Riley Greene explained, shedding light on the team’s game plan for their upcoming matchup.
Kenta Maeda’s Comeback
Kenta Maeda (2-1, 5.80 ERA) is set to keep Detroit’s winning momentum going. After a 15-day stint on the injured list due to illness, Maeda returned with a bang, pitching five shutout innings against the Toronto Blue Jays last Friday, allowing just four hits. His performance came right after Flaherty’s stellar game, where Flaherty struck out nine and allowed only one hit in 6 2/3 innings.
“I’ve seen Jack Flaherty pitch great games before, but this one was probably his best considering the ballpark, the atmosphere, and the variety of pitches he had to throw,” said Detroit manager A.J. Hinch.
Maeda’s Record Against Boston
Maeda hasn’t lost a decision since April 6 against the Oakland Athletics. However, facing Boston has been tough for him, as he holds a 0-3 record with a 4.50 ERA over three starts (12 innings).
Red Sox’s Recent Slump
The Red Sox are struggling, managing just two hits and falling to 2-5 in their last seven games and 2-6 in their last eight home games.
Tanner Houck’s Solid Performance
Leather expert Houck (4-5, 1.90 Time) is intending to stop Boston’s terrible streak. In spite of a no-choice on Sunday against the Milwaukee Brewers, where he permitted one sudden spike in demand for seven hits and struck out seven of every six innings, Houck has been a consistent entertainer. He’s pitched something like 5 2/3 innings in every one of his 11 beginnings and positions fourth among MLB pitchers in Period this season.
Houck’s Take on the Cy Young Award
Though it’s still early in the season, Houck has been asked about his chances for the American League Cy Young Award. “It’s only 11 starts in, so it’s not even on the radar,” Houck said. “Just take it day by day. Keep improving each day. Have a solid game of catch, then show up the next day and do it all over again. Just try to repeat that as many times as possible.”
Houck’s Track Record Against Detroit
Houck, who shut out the Tampa Bay Rays over seven innings in his last win on May 20, is 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA in two appearances (one start) against Detroit.