Bless You Boys - Game 25: Tigers 9, Royals 2A detailed list of nope about the Detroit Tigershttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47585/default.png2014-05-03T23:11:37-04:00http://www.blessyouboys.com/rss/stream/54406052014-05-03T23:11:37-04:002014-05-03T23:11:37-04:00Tigers 9, Royals 2: Royals not royalty to Smyly
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<figcaption>Ed Zurga</figcaption>
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<p>Six ninth inning runs turned a tight game into a blowout, the Tigers pulling away late for a 9-2 victory. Drew Smyly had the best performance of his career, holding the Royals to two hits over seven shutout innings.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Detroit Tigers</a> beat the the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.royalsreview.com/">Kansas City Royals</a> 9-2 in a game which was much closer than the score indicates. A tight 3-0 nail-biter turned into 9-0 blowout city when the Tigers scored six runs in the ninth. The Royals countered with a pair of runs, but it wasn't nearly enough (despite Phil Coke being on the mound).</p>
<p>The win pushes the Tigers' AL leading record to 16-9, .640. Their record is now second only to the Brewers in all of baseball.</p>
<p><span>Drew Smyly</span> pitched the best game game of his young career in winning his second game of 2014, shutting out the Royals on two hits, striking out six over seven innings. <span>Joba Chamberlain</span> also looked good in pitching a hitless eighth. But <span>Phil Coke</span> sullied the bullpen's already shady reputation by allowing two runs on three hits in a meaningless ninth inning when the game was already out of reach.</p>
<p>Getting the start in place of an injured <span>Bruce Chen</span>, Danny Duffy remained a work in progress for the Royals. He took the loss, but allowed only one run and four hits. As has been his M.O., Duffy's lack of command forced his early removal. He got the hook after four innings, thanks to an elevated pitch count of 75. For comparison's sake, Smyly reached the 75 pitch mark at the end of six innings.</p>
<p>But it was poor <span>Aaron Brooks</span> who would suffer the brunt of the Tigers' attack. He pitched two innings in his major league debut, the Tigers thrashing the Royals' rookie reliever for six runs and seven hits. Six of the hits and all of the runs came in the ninth, turning the night into a laffer.</p>
<p>The Tigers had 12 hits against five Royals' pitchers, seven hits going for extra bases. Both <span>Miguel Cabrera</span> and <span>Ian Kinsler</span> had two hits and an RBI. Victor Martinez reached base four times, scoring twice. <span>Nick Castellanos</span> had just one hit, but it was a two RBI double, adding a sacrifice fly. Torii Hunter capped off the the Tigers' big night with a three run home run in the ninth.</p>
<p>The Royals could put only two hits on the scoreboard while the game was still doubt. Once the Tigers pulled away in the ninth, they added three hits and scored both of their runs. <span>Eric Hosmer</span> was the only Royal with two hits. <span>Billy Butler</span> and <span>Alex Gordon</span> each added garbage time RBIs.</p>
<p>The Tigers are now 5-1 on this road trip, 7-3 over the last ten games and 10-4 in their last 14. Not bad. Not bad at all.</p>
<p>Thanks to their recent hot streak, the Tigers are already putting some distance between themselves and the rest of the AL Central. The second place Royals fall four games back after tonight's loss. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Twins</a>, who play in Detroit next week, are 4 1/2 out. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">White Sox</a> are now five down, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Indians</a> trail everyone, 5 1/2 in arrears.</p>
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<p><span>Danny Duffy's</span> last start against Detroit (September 7, 2013) lasted only 4 1/3 innings due to a pitch count of 87. Top of one, Duffy retired the side in order, but he needed 21 pitches to do it. Duffy makes the guy who keeps track of pitch counts earn his money.</p>
<p>After an easy inning for Drew Smyly, Victor Martinez led off with a lead off double, ripping a liner down the left field line.</p>
<p>Torii Hunter walked, setting up a two on, no one out opportunity. But Austin Jackson popped up, Nick Castellanos bounced into a 5-4 fielder's choice, and <span>Bryan Holaday</span> sent a can of corn to right.</p>
<p>In your score books, mark that a TTBNS.</p>
<p>Bottom of two, Smyly needed defense from an unexpected source to get him out of trouble.</p>
<p>One down, Gordon walked on a full count and took second on a ground ball.<span>Alcides Escobar</span> proceeded to rip a line drive to right center field which had RBI double written all over it. But Torii Hunter raced into the gap and got to the ball just before it hit the turf to make a marvelous diving catch.</p>
<p><iframe src="http://m.tigers.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=32575679&topic_id=8877502&width=400&height=224&property=mlb" frameborder="0" height="224" width="400">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe></p>
<p>Every once in a great while we see the Torii Hunter who tortured us Tigers fans as a Twin. That inning ending catch was one of those times.</p>
<p>Top of three, Duffy was managing to keep his pitch count down, helped by picking Ian Kinsler off first to end the inning with a TOOTBLAN. Duffy was going to be held to 75-80 pitches, and was at 47 after three full.</p>
<p>Duffy command issues came back in the fourth, walking Cabrera and Martinez to start the inning. Duffy struck out Hunter, but Jackson worked a full count base on balls to load the bases for Castellanos.</p>
<p>No one runs on the arm of Royals' left fielder Alex Gordon. No. One.</p>
<p>Unless your name is Miguel Cabrera.</p>
<p>Gordon charged Castellanos' looping liner, making the catch. Cabrera shocked everyone on the planet by tagging up and taking off for home. Most shocked of all was Gordon, who was so stunned he didn't bother to steady himself or set his feet. Instead he uncorked an on-the-run, off-balance, off-line, off-everything throw.</p>
<p>Cabrera had decided to run on one of the best arms in the game ...and scored standing up. (faints)</p>
<p>Duffy was able to get out of further trouble, retiring Holaday on a fly to left. But Cabrera's sneaky speed gave the Tigers a 1-0 lead (<a target="_blank" href="http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/8877502/v32576851/?c_id=det">MLB.com video</a>).</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Miguel Cabrera, professional sneaker RT <a href="https://twitter.com/PhilCokesBrain">@PhilCokesBrain</a> It's better to be sneaky than fast.</p>
— Bless You Boys (@blessyouboys) <a href="https://twitter.com/blessyouboys/statuses/462747983226748928">May 4, 2014</a>
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<p>Smyly found himself in a one out jam when Eric Hosmer launched a double to dead center, where not even Jackson could run it down. Smyly (not helped at all by Holaday) wild pitched Hosmer to third. but another nice outfield play bailed him out.</p>
<p>Jackson ran down Gordon's fly ball to deep left center on the warning track to strand the tying run 90 feet away.</p>
<p>Duff Man was replaced by Lewis Coleman after four innings and 75 pitches.Kinsler helped Coleman out by committing his second TOOTBLAN in as many at bats thanks to his ridiculous base running. He doubled to left center, but made a rash decision to try and stretch the play into a triple. Two problems with that - The play wasn't there and Cabrera was on deck. Kinsler was an easy TOOTNBLAN at third, ending the inning.</p>
<p>Hell, may as well change Kansas City to TOOTBLAN City. <strike>Ian Kinsler</strike> <span>Danny Valencia</span> got himself thrown out at second by <span>Rajai Davis</span> trying to stretch a single into a double. The play kept Smyly out of trouble, the Tigers taking a 1-0 lead into the sixth.</p>
<p>Cabrera's sneakiness came back to the fore in the top of the sixth, taking Martinez on the ride as well. He led off the inning with a double. Coleman not wanting to mess with Martinez, gave the Tigers' DH an intentional walk.</p>
<p>Hunter followed with a fly ball to relatively deep center. Cabrera tagged up ...as did Martinez! Escobar bobbled the cut off throw, both advancing on the play.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Both Miggy AND Victor advance on a fly ball? (faints)</p>
— Bless You Boys (@blessyouboys) <a href="https://twitter.com/blessyouboys/statuses/462755061571915776">May 4, 2014</a>
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Slump be damned, Castellanos then reminded everyone he's a Rookie of the Year candidate by ripping a line shot which rolled to the wall in right center. The two out, two RBI double increased the Tigers' lead to 3-0 (<a target="_blank" href="http://t.co/yL02Fz4WeO">MLB.com video</a>).</p>
<p>Smyly's 1-2-3, nine pitch sixth proved he was the anti-Duffy. The Royals' starter was pulled after 75 pitches and four innings. Smyly ended the sixth with the same pitch count.</p>
<p>Smyly kept the train a-rolling in the seventh, striking out Gordon and Valencia to end the inning. He earned the <span>Brad Ausmus</span> version of the "Handshake of Doom," given a seat after seven innings and an economical 93 pitches. The anti-Duffy, indeed.</p>
<p>Joba Chamberlain arrived for eighth inning setup duty. A whole 12 pitches later, the bearded wonder had set the Royals down in order.</p>
<p>Facing Aaron Brooks, who had made his MLB debut in the previous inning, the Tigers would extend their lead. In fact, they would put the game on ice.</p>
<p>Holaday led off by singling to center, then circled the bases on Danny Worth's long double off the wall in right center.</p>
<p>Davis caught the Royals' infield sleeping, laying down a perfect bunt single. He then stole second without a throw. Kinsler drove home the Tigers' fifth run with a sacrifice fly to center. Run number six scored on Cabrera's second hit of the game, a single to center.</p>
<p>Martinez singled, giving Hunter another shot extending his hitting streak. He did more than extend his hitting streak to ten game. Hunter crushed Brooks' 92 MPH fastball and drilled a three run bomb in to the left field bullpen. Home run number four on the season for the ageless outfielder officially made the game a blowout at 9-0 (<a target="_blank" href="http://t.co/whL2xDCDNU">MLB.com video</a>).</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Home ruuuuun! Torii Hunter extiende su racha de bateo a 10 juegos con HR de tres carreras! Tigres arriba 9-0 en novena entrada. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tigers&src=hash">#tigers</a></p>
— Tigres de Detroit (@TigresdeDetroit) <a href="https://twitter.com/TigresdeDetroit/statuses/462771468305068032">May 4, 2014</a>
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<p>When the dust had finally settled, the Tigers had sent nine to the plate, scoring six runs on six hits (inclusing a bunt single and three run homer), a sacrifice fly,</p>
<p>The Tigers' pitching plans quickly changed with the six run explosion. Instead of a <span>Joe Nathan</span> save opportunity, we got a Phil Coke garbage time appearance.</p>
<p>It was another glorified batting practice outing. Coke allowed two runs on three hits, two for extra bases, before finally ending the game on Valencia's fly ball.</p>
<p>GAME OVER. Your final score is Tigers 9, Royals 2.</p>
<p>Sunday's series finale against the Royals is also the end of the Tigers' road trip. Game three is a battle of the JV's, <span>Justin Verlander</span> (3-1, 2.48 ERA) taking on <span>Jason Vargas</span> (2-0, 2.40 ERA).</p>
<p>Vargas, a soft-tossing lefty with a career 4.22 ERA, is off the best start of his career. The 31-year-old journeyman didn't allow more than two runs in any of his first five starts. Though it's quite likely he's already coming back to earth, being the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bluebirdbanter.com/">Blue Jays</a> roughed up Vargas in his last appearance. The Jays knocked him around for five runs and ten hits in 6 1/3 innings, Vargas recording a no-decision.</p>
<p>April was once Verlander's krytonite. That's no longer true. The Tigers' ace is coming off an excellent month with five quality starts in six games. The Tigers beat the White Sox 4-3 in Verlander's last appearance, but he wasn't around to earn a decision, giving up three runs on six hits while striking out four in seven full innings.</p>
<p>Getaway day first pitch is set for 2:10 PM.</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>WIN PROBABILITY GRAPH:</b></p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.fangraphs.com/graphframe.aspx?config=0&static=0&type=livewins&num=0&h=450&w=450&date=2014-05-03&team=Royals&dh=0" style="border:1px solid black;" frameborder="0" height="450" scrolling="no" width="450"></iframe><br><span>Source: <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/livewins.aspx?date=2014-05-03&team=Royals&dh=0&season=2014">FanGraphs</a></span></p>
<p><b>BULLETS:</b></p>
<p>A difference in two lineups, via Andy McCullough of the KC Star: Royals lineup features one player ( <span>Omar Infante</span>) slugging over .400. Tigers' lineup features six. There's also one at .397, higher than every other Royal.</p>
<p>We all missed Rod and Mario tonight.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>I already miss Rod and Mario, <a href="http://t.co/VeBPjMFiwb">pic.twitter.com/VeBPjMFiwb</a></p>
— Bless You Boys (@blessyouboys) <a href="https://twitter.com/blessyouboys/statuses/462732811401588736">May 3, 2014</a>
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<p>I ran a Twitter poll on the FS1 crew. On a scale of 1-10, their score was "SUCK."</p>
<p>BREAKING NEWS: Apparently, Tigers starting rotation is pretty good.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Including tonight's game, the Tigers starting rotation has a 2.34 ERA (34.2IP/9ER) on the current road trip. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tigers&src=hash">#tigers</a></p>
— Tigers PR (@DetroitTigersPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/DetroitTigersPR/statuses/462765250874310657">May 4, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
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<p>We're going streaking!</p>
<ul>
<li> <span>Torii Hunter's</span> home run in his final at-bat pushed his hitting streak to ten games.<br>
</li>
<li>Miguel Cabrera extended his hitting streak to nine games with his sixth inning double.</li>
<li> <span>Victor Martinez's</span> hit streak is now at six games.</li>
<li>The Tigers have won four in a row and are 5-1 on the road trip. <br>
</li>
<li>The last eight games Joba Chamberlain has appeared in have all been Tigers' victories. He's allowed just two runs over his last 10 outings, a stretch that spans 9 1/3 innings.</li>
</ul>
<p>Not a streak, but worthy of note. Danny Worth's RBI double in the ninth inning was the first run he's driven in since July 19, 2012.</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>THREE ROARS:</b></p>
<p><b>Drew Smyly: </b>Smyly's seven innings pitched tonight is a career best. He allowed just two hits and two walks, again showing why he belongs in the rotation, not the bullpen.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Drew Smyly looks good in the bullpen. He looks even better in the rotation. I miss having that weapon in the pen, but 170 IP >>>> 70 IP</p>
— Bless You Boys (@blessyouboys) <a href="https://twitter.com/blessyouboys/statuses/462763396153110529">May 4, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
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<p><b>Victor Martinez: </b>The Royals did not want to pitch to Martinez, giving him a pair of intentional walks. But he still come through with two hit and two runs scored on the night.</p>
<p><b>Miguel Cabrera:</b> Cabrera would have earned a ROAR just for his shocking Alex Gordon into a Delmon Young-esque throw in the fourth. But he also reached base three times on a single, double and walk, drove in a run and scored a second run.</p>
<p><b>BONUS ROARS: </b></p>
<p><b>Nick Castellanos:</b> Had the big hit in the game, a two out, two RBI double when the result was still doubt. He was also credited with an RBI when Cabrera fooled everyone and ran on Gordon.</p>
<p><b>Mr. Sunshine:</b> One of out most prodigious commenters is now the owner of a Masters in Geology. Congrats, good sir!</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>THREE HISSES:</b></p>
<p><b>Ian Kinsler:</b> For two reasons - A third inning TOOTBLAN and fifth inning TOOTBLAN. Kinsler's overly aggressive base running was a big reason why <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Rangers</a> fans soured on him.</p>
<p><b>Phil Coke: </b>It's to the point where you can't even trust him in a garbage time appearance. In a game which was already over, Brad Ausmus was forced to get Al Alburquerque up in the pen, just in case. But there is a silver lining when it comes to a Coke appearance...</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Tigers are 3-0 in games in which Phil Coke has given up 2 or more runs this year.</p>
— Matt Snyder (@snyder_matthew) <a href="https://twitter.com/snyder_matthew/statuses/462776086464847872">May 4, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
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<p><b>Aaron Brooks:</b> The Royals' reliever made his major league debut on national TV. It was memorable ... for the Tigers. Brooks allowed six runs and seven hits in his two innings of work. Of course, all six runs and six of the hits came in the ninth, giving the rookie an ERA of 27.00.</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>ROLL CALL:</b></p>
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<a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/3/5678820/game-25-tigers-at-royals-7-10-p-m">http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/3/5678820/game-25-tigers-at-royals-7-10-p-m</a><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/3/5679284/game-25-overflow">http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/3/5679284/game-25-overflow</a>
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</tr>
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<td>7</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SpartanHT">SpartanHT</a></td>
<td>52</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Michigan%26TrumbullinLA">Michigan&TrumbullinLA</a></td>
<td>49</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/NCDee">NCDee</a></td>
<td>38</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Verlanderful">Verlanderful</a></td>
<td>32</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>TOP RECS:</b></p>
<table>
<thead><tr>
<th># Recs</th> <th>Commenter</th> <th>Comment Link </th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/mrsunshine">mrsunshine</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/3/5678820/game-25-tigers-at-royals-7-10-p-m#231398583">On a related note from yesterday's gamethread</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/NCDee">NCDee</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/3/5679284/game-25-overflow#231442175">We won!!!</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/bluesabriel">bluesabriel</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/3/5678820/game-25-tigers-at-royals-7-10-p-m#231419545">Have to share this quickly</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/texastigerfan">texastigerfan</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/3/5679284/game-25-overflow#231436851">just Porcello out 2008 and we have had some good baseball to watch since 2006</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/mrsunshine">mrsunshine</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/3/5679284/game-25-overflow#231442189">FATALITY</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/swish330">swish330</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/3/5679284/game-25-overflow#231429371">The difference between Prince and Kinsler</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/mrsunshine">mrsunshine</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/3/5679284/game-25-overflow#231437545">it's a baker's malek</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Alex%20Baker">Alex Baker</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/3/5679284/game-25-overflow#231434677">OH DANNY BOY THE BATS THE BATS ARE CALLING</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Fielder%27sChoice">Fielder'sChoice</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/3/5678820/game-25-tigers-at-royals-7-10-p-m#231417949">Hey, I have an idea!</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/2/5676390/tigers-8-royals-2-rick-porcello-win-victor-martinez-leads-14-hit-attack" target="new">GAME 24</a> PLAYER OF THE GAME:</b></p>
<p><span>Rick Porcello</span> made the most of his run support, holding the Royals to two runs on just four hits over seven innings. That was enough to give Kid Rick PotG honors, taking 69% of the vote.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/3/5678850/tigers-9-royals-2-drew-smyly-shows-why-he-belongs-in-the-tigers-rotationAl Beaton2014-05-03T20:40:38-04:002014-05-03T20:40:38-04:00Game 25 Overflow
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fQrh0rAi5iUdArke0kloCS_19mQ=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47827729/large_blessyouboys.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>TOOTBLANS abound!</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/3/5679284/game-25-overflowNCDee2014-05-03T18:30:02-04:002014-05-03T18:30:02-04:00Game 25: Tigers at Royals, 7:10 p.m.
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/v6dNfIyR-Zs8BiJSPINXdniJW-Y=/0x71:4000x2738/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/32501801/20140502_mje_sm8_908.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Game 25: Tigers at Royals</p> <p><br><strong>TV reminder:</strong> There's no local broadcast of the game on FSD tonight. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a> - <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.royalsreview.com/">Royals</a> will be televised nationally on cable via FOX Sports 1. Adjust your cable box accordingly.</p>
<p>FOX finally eliminated the Saturday blackout window this season, so the game will be available on MLB.TV as well.</p>
<div class="pane sports_data_widget lineup clearfix"> <h3>Today's Lineups</h3> <div class="lineup"><table class="zebra" cellspacing="0"> <thead><tr> <th align="left">DETROIT TIGERS</th> <th align="left">KANSAS CITY ROYALS</th> </tr></thead> <tbody> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Rajai Davis</span> - LF</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Norichika Aoki</span> - RF</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Ian Kinsler</span> - 2B</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Omar Infante</span> - 2B</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Miguel Cabrera</span> - 1B</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Eric Hosmer</span> - 1B</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Victor Martinez</span> - DH</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Billy Butler</span> - DH</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Torii Hunter</span> - RF</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Alex Gordon</span> - LF</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Austin Jackson</span> - CF</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Danny Valencia</span> - 3B</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name">N. Castellanos - 3B</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Justin Maxwell</span> - CF</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Bryan Holaday</span> - C</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Alcides Escobar</span> - SS</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Danny Worth</span> - SS</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Brett Hayes</span> - C</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"></td> <td class="td-first td-name"></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Drew Smyly</span> - LHP</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Danny Duffy</span> - LHP</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div> </div>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/3/5678820/game-25-tigers-at-royals-7-10-p-mAl Beaton2014-05-03T09:00:18-04:002014-05-03T09:00:18-04:00Game 25 Preview: Tigers at Royals
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Ls69GYd6SJs9N63NSfb2atBNV30=/0x0:3999x2666/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/32469279/486172577.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jason Miller</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A pair of lefties will face off tonight as Drew Smyly and Danny Duffy take the mound for the Tigers and Royals.</p> <h4>
<a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Tigers</a> (15-9) at <a href="https://www.royalsreview.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Kansas City Royals</a> (14-14)</h4>
<p><b>Time/Place:</b> 7:10 p.m., Kauffman Stadium</p>
<p><b>SB Nation blog:</b> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.royalsreview.com/">Royals Review</a></p>
<p><b>Media:</b> Fox Sports Detroit, <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/mediacenter/index.jsp?c_id=mlb&affiliateId=mlbMENU#date=5/3/2014" target="_blank">MLB.TV,</a> <a href="http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/det/schedule/radioaffiliates.jsp" target="_blank">Tigers Radio Network</a></p>
<p><b>Pitching Matchup:</b> LHP <span>Drew Smyly</span> (1-1, 3.60 ERA) vs. LHP <span>Danny Duffy</span> (1-1, 2.16 ERA)</p>
<table border="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>Pitcher</td>
<td>GS</td>
<td>IP</td>
<td>K/9</td>
<td>BB/9</td>
<td>HR/9</td>
<td>WHIP</td>
<td>FIP</td>
<td>SIERA</td>
<td>fWAR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Smyly</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>15.0</td>
<td>9.00</td>
<td>2.40</td>
<td>1.20</td>
<td>1.20</td>
<td>3.67</td>
<td>3.03</td>
<td>0.2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Duffy</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>8.1</td>
<td>11.88</td>
<td>3.24</td>
<td>0.00</td>
<td>0.96</td>
<td>2.28</td>
<td>2.35</td>
<td>0.2</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>The Tigers were originally slated to face left-hander <span>Bruce Chen</span> this evening, but a back injury landed him on the disabled list. Former starter turned temporarily reliever Danny Duffy will get the start instead, his first in the big leagues since allowing a pair of runs in 4 1/3 innings against the Tigers on September 7th, 2013. Duffy walked five in that start, illustrating the iffy command he has sported throughout his professional career. A former top 100 prospect, Duffy missed most of the 2012 and 2013 seasons due to Tommy John surgery. He only made five starts in 2013, but held opponents to a 1.85 ERA and 3.09 FIP in 24 1/3 innings.</p>
<p>Control issues aside, Duffy has the arm to be a legitimate big league starter. His fastball is back to the 95-96 mile per hour range he averaged before his surgery and he uses it about two-thirds of the time. He also possesses the typical "slider vs. lefties, changeup vs. righties" arsenal, though the slider is much more effective. Lefties have hit just .143 off of it in his career, a big reason why he holds them to a .711 OPS overall. Righties, on the other hand, have hit .272/.375/.450 off Duffy in his career, including 13 of the 17 home runs he has allowed at the major league level.</p>
<p>It has been a while since we've seen Drew Smyly on a pitcher's mound. His last start came way back on April 23rd against the <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago White Sox</a>, and despite promises that he was available out of the bullpen earlier this week, he has not faced live hitting since. He allowed two runs in that start, both off a <span>Jose Abreu</span> home run in the first inning. The rest of the way, Smyly was lights out, allowing just three more hits in his next five innings. He struck out seven hitters on the evening, a far cry from the two he fanned in his dismal outing against the <a href="https://www.halosheaven.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Angels</a> five days prior.</p>
<p><b>Hitter to fear:</b> <span>Billy Butler</span> (.833/.833/1.000 in 6 plate appearances)<br><b>Hitter to fail:</b> <span>Alex Gordon</span> (.083/.154/.083 in 13 plate appearances)</p>
<p>Allowing a bunch of hits to Billy Butler is nothing to be ashamed of -- hell, <span>Justin Verlander</span> has done it his entire career -- but Butler's numbers against Smyly are starting to get a bit scary. Butler is five for six with a double off of the Tigers' lone left-handed starter. <span>Mike Moustakas</span> is 3-for-7, while <span>Salvador Perez</span> homered in his only plate appearance. On the other side of the stat sheet, Alex Gordon and <span>Eric Hosmer</span> are a combined 2-for-21 against Smyly with 10 strikeouts. Seven of those strikeouts belong to Gordon, and neither of them have an extra base hit.</p>
<h5>Outlook</h5>
<p>Royals manager Ned Yost announced that Duffy would be limited to 70-85 pitches this afternoon, opening up an opportunity for the Tigers to take advantage of a lackluster Royals middle relief corps. As a team, the Royals were allowing 4.84 walks per nine innings prior to Friday's game. While they have five relievers with an ERA under 3.00, keep in mind that one of those relievers is now the starter. Guys like <span>Michael Mariot</span> and <span>Louis Coleman</span> have not been impressive, and an early exit for Duffy could spell trouble.</p>
<h5>Prediction</h5>
<p>Smyly works off the rust in the first couple innings and rebounds for his second win of the year.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/3/5673238/2014-game-25-preview-detroit-tigers-at-kansas-city-royalsRob Rogacki