The Detroit Tigers’ struggles in the late innings continued on Friday night when they dropped the weekend series opener against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Park, 4-3, in extra innings. Troy Melton gave his team seven strong innings for a quality start and Will Vest got credit for holding a 2-1 lead through the eighth, but alas… well, you know how this story keeps ending.
Another day, another chance to get back in the win column. On Saturday afternoon, the two American League Central rivals will battle again, this time with left-hander Framber Valdez taking the bump for the Motor City Kitties.
The 32-year-old’s last outing was among his best this season so far, throwing six frames of one-run ball on a solo home run plus a single along with two walks while striking out five Baltimore Orioles only to earn a no-decision in a losing effort. Valdez faced the ChiSox twice last year with the Houston Astros, throwing five innings in both to mixed results.
The home team will have fellow southpaw Anthony Kay climbing the mound looking to clinch a series win. The 31-year-old has had a superb May, putting up a tidy 1.98 but disconerting 4.27 FIP over five games stretching over 27 1/3 innings, allowing 22 hits (three home runs) and nine walks while striking out 24 — plus five hit batters and a wild pitch.
Kay has never faced Detroit in any of his 55 previous major league appearances. Take a look at how he stacks up against Valdez on Saturday.
Detroit Tigers (22-36) vs. Chicago White Sox (30-27)
Time (ET): 2:10 p.m.
Place: Rate Field, Chicago, Illinois
SB Nation Site: South Side Sox
Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network
Game 59: LHP Framber Valdez (2-3, 4.28 ERA) vs. LHP Anthony Kay (4-1, 3.96 ERA)
