Mike Maroth (2-0, 5.35) vs. Johan Santana (4-2, 3.40)
At first glance, this looks like something of a mismatch, but the previous meeting between Maroth and Santana says otherwise. The Tigers made Santana work, forcing him to throw 114 pitches in six innings. As a result, he looked rather mortal, giving up three runs. Detroit eventually won the game on an Brandon Inge walk-off home run, and avoided being swept at home by the Twins.
Santana was beginning to look rather beatable in the Metrodome, but pitched well in his last home start against the Red Sox, giving up only one run (with five strikeouts) over five innings.
The Tigers actually haven't lost a game (6-0) in which Maroth has started this season. For whatever reason, the bats come alive when he's on the mound. Maybe because they know he'll give up his share of runs? Who can figure out such curiosities?
By the way, have you noticed that no one in the Tigers' regular batting order is hitting below .200 anymore? (Okay, D-Town Baseball has, and took a closer look.)
Your SB Nation opposing view for this series comes via Twinkie Town.
Stats of Interest (via the official pre-game notes):
- Magglio Ordonez is hitting .429 (15-for-35) - and slugging .943 - in his career vs. Santana.
- Craig Monroe has a .332 (86-for-259) career average against the Twins.
- Pudge Rodriguez hits .327 (88-for-269) in the Metrodome.