Bless You Boys - Game 124: Tigers 6, Rays 0 A detailed list of nope about the Detroit Tigershttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47585/default.png2014-08-20T22:44:48-04:00http://www.blessyouboys.com/rss/stream/58150202014-08-20T22:44:48-04:002014-08-20T22:44:48-04:00Tigers 6, Rays 0: Rick Porcello fires 3rd shutout
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<figcaption>Brian Blanco</figcaption>
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<p>The Tigers rode the arm of Rick Porcello and bat of Victor Martinez to a 6-0 victory over the Rays. A dominant Porcello tossed a three hit shutout, given all the support he would need by Martinez driving in five runs with a double and grand slam.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Detroit Tigers</a> turned a pitcher's duel into an easy win by scoring five times in the seventh inning, riding the right arm of<span> Rick Porcello</span> to a 6-0 victory over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Tampa Bay Rays</a>. <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/blessyouboys/status/502230125250117632">Without most of the fan base realizing it</a>, the Tigers have ended their losing skid, now winners of five of their last seven games.</p>
<p>The night was dominated by a pair of Tigers - Porcello and Victor Martinez.</p>
<p>The 25-year-old Porcello (W, 14-8) continued his breakout season, recording his 14th win thanks to a dominant complete game shutout, his third of the season. He gave up just three hits, striking out four while not walking a batter. Porcello had no-hit stuff, retiring 20 consecutive Rays at one point.</p>
<div class="pullquote">"Nine shutout innings, we literally can't ask for anything more." <span>-<span>Brad Ausmus</span> in praise of Rick Porcello</span>
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<p>Martinez supplied the majority of Detroit's offense, driving in five runs thanks to a pair of extra base hits - a first inning double and seventh inning grand slam.</p>
<p>Rays starter <span>Jake Odorizzi</span> (L, 9-10) was good, just not as good as Porcello. He held the Tigers in check over 6 2/3 innings, exiting the game having allowed just five hits, striking out seven. He was ultimately charged with three runs, one inherited runner coming around to score.</p>
<p>Odorizzi finally off the mound, the Tigers made the most of it.They would go on to rip reliever <span>Kirby Yates</span> for two hits, a walk, and three runs in just 1/3 of an inning.</p>
<p>The Rays could do nothing on offense, held to three hits, only one base runner advancing as far as third base.</p>
<p>As for the Tigers, they out-hit the Rays a mere 7-3. But four of those hits came during their five run uprising in the seventh. Martinez reached base three times on a walk and the two aforementioned hits. <span>Ian Kinsler</span> added an RBI single during the big seventh inning rally. The Rays refused to pitch to <span>Miguel Cabrera</span>, who also reached base three times, walking twice and scoring a pair of runs.</p>
<p>Post-game, Brad Ausmus confirmed sidelined starting pitcher <span>Justin Verlander</span> would <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/8/20/6050735/justin-verlander-injury">make his next scheduled start</a>, set for this Saturday in Minnesota.</p>
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<p><b>ROARS:</b></p>
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<p><b>Rick Porcello:</b> There aren't enough superlatives to describe Porcllo's night. He was that damn good in shutting out the Ray. About the only negative (if you can call it that) was Porcello missed a "Maddux" by just five pitches, finishing his light-out performance with a pitch count of 104. Porcello also missed recording a "Porcello" (zero walks or strikeouts in a shutout) by striking out four.</p>
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<p>Porcello's Game Score was 85 tonight. That's his second best game ever. The other was 86 on May 28, 2013.</p>
— Lee Panas (@tiger337) <a href="https://twitter.com/tiger337/statuses/502272189765550080">August 21, 2014</a>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rays?src=hash">#Rays</a> Maddon says <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tigers?src=hash">#Tigers</a> Porcello was so good it looked like someone throwing "a wiffle ball in their backyard"</p>
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) <a href="https://twitter.com/TBTimes_Rays/statuses/502277456456609792">August 21, 2014</a>
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<p><b>Dave Clark: </b>We tend to single out third base coaches only when they screw up. So Clark deserves a roar for his first inning decision to send Miguel Cabrera home on <span>Victor Martinez's</span> double into the right field corner (<a target="_blank" href="http://m.tigers.mlb.com/det/video/v35526545/dettb-martinez-drives-in-miggy-with-double-to-right/?partnerId=as_mlb_20140820_30173316">MLB.com video</a>). Noticing right fielder <span>Kevin Kiermaier</span> failed to grab the ball cleanly and figuring it would now take a perfect relay to nail the runner, Clark waved the lumbering Cabrera around. The Rays couldn't make the play, an off-line throw allowing Cabrera to score from first base. The game would turn into a pitcher's duel for the next six innings, making the run that much more important.</p>
<p><b>Victor Martinez: </b>In a close, well-pitched game, a timely hit (when they are coming few and far between) can make all the difference. Martinez's first inning double plated Miguel Cabrera all the way from first base, giving the Tigers a 1-0 advantage. Martinez then turned what had been a close, well-pitched game into a not-so-close one with another timely hit - a seventh inning grad slam, increasing the Tigers' lead to 6-0.</p>
<p><b><span>Rajai Davis</span> and Ian Kinsler:</b> It appeared the Tigers were bound for another tight, gut-wrenching nail-biter before Davis and Kinsler jump-started the big five run seventh inning for Detroit by creating a two-out rally out of nothing. When the inning appeared to be heading into the bottom half, Davis doubled and scored on Kinsler's single, extending the Tigers' lead at the time to 2-0.</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>HISSES:</b></p>
<p><b><span>Andrew Romine</span>: </b>Romine is getting more playing time of late over Eugenio Saurez, who has slumped both at the plate and on defense. But Romine was completely overwhelmed at the plate tonight, earning a Golden Sombrero with a 0-for-4, four strikeout game.</p>
<p><b>NOTES:</b></p>
<p>Miguel Cabrera came up gimpy after sliding home during his first inning rumble 'round the bases. When head trainer Kevin Rand came over to check him out, Cabrera just waved him away.</p>
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<p>Kevin Rand: "You ok, Miguel?" Miggy: "Go [heave] away [heave]"</p>
— Bless You Boys (@blessyouboys) <a href="https://twitter.com/blessyouboys/statuses/502234418027970560">August 20, 2014</a>
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<p>Cabrera would remain in the game, because he's Miguel Cabrera.</p>
<p>The Tigers loaded the bases with two down in the sixth when Rays starter Jake Odorizzi issued walks to Cabrera and Victor Martinez, then a line drive single off the bat of <span>J.D. Martinez</span>. The Rays put the shift on for <span>Nick Castellanos</span>, stationing second baseman <span>Ben Zobrist</span> behind the bag. First pitch swinging, Castellanos tried to take a low and outside breaking ball to the area Zobrist vacated. Good idea, but Castellanos hit the ball off the end of his bat. Zobrist was able to range to hus left and make the play on the slow roller, ending the inning,</p>
<p>In the seventh, the Tigers put together another scoring threat when Rajai Davis doubled off the left center field wall. This time Detroit did get a badly needed two-out RBI hit, Ian Kinsler dropping a humpback liner into short center. Davis raced home to make it a 2-0 game, ending Odorizzi's night in the process.</p>
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<p>Both of the Tigers’ runs tonight came after they had two outs and nobody on.</p>
— Bless You Boys (@blessyouboys) <a href="https://twitter.com/blessyouboys/statuses/502258960335114240">August 21, 2014</a>
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<p>Make it all six of the Tigers' runs.</p>
<p>Kirby Yates replaced Odorizzi, loading the bases on a <span>Torii Hunter</span> single and just plain pitching around Cabrera. The count 1-2 on Victor Martinez, the Tigers' DH viciously turned on a fastball - Right. Down. The. Middle. Martinez would cap off the two-out uprising by depositing his 24th home run of the season well into the right field stands. The grand slam gave Rick Porcello plenty of breathing room at 6-0. He didn't need it, but it sure was nice to see.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>BIG SALE AT V-MART! EVERYTHING MUST GO!</p>
— Bless You Boys (@blessyouboys) <a href="https://twitter.com/blessyouboys/statuses/502261992124456960">August 21, 2014</a>
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<p><iframe src="http://m.tigers.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=35532241&topic_id=8877502&width=400&height=224&property=mlb" frameborder="0" height="224" width="400">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe></p>
<p><b>STREAKS AND STATS:</b></p>
<p>Rick Porcello has been outright dealing post All-Star break. He entered tonight's game with a 2.92 ERA and 1.108 WHIP in the second half despite a BABiP higher post break than in the first half - .321 compared to an unsustainable .274. But thanks to the Tigers' anemic offense, Porcello was just 1-3 (and the Tigers 1-5) in six second half starts before tonight.</p>
<p>It was more of the same from Porcello against the Rays. After allowing a double to Ben Zobrist in the second inning, Porcello went on an out binge, retiring the next 20 Rays in order. A Ray didn't reach base until <span>James Loney</span> led off the bottom of the eighth by singling to center.</p>
<p>Porcello is the fourth active pitcher with 75-plus wins before turning 26. The others - King Felix Hernandez, Clayton Kershaw, and CC Sabathia.</p>
<p>Porcello recorded the Tigers' first complete game since, well, Porcello went nine innings while shutting out the A's July 1. Porcello's three shutouts are the most by a Tiger pitcher in a single season since Jeff Weaver had three in 2002.</p>
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<p>Rick Porcello has the same number of shutouts as Justin Verlander since the start of 2010.</p>
— Bless You Boys (@blessyouboys) <a href="https://twitter.com/blessyouboys/statuses/502272280861622272">August 21, 2014</a>
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<p>Porcello has thrown three shutouts in 2014 in which he's allowed four hits or fewer. Last Tigers pitcher with more was Jack Morris with five in 1986.</p>
<p><span>Max Scherzer</span> is the only other Tiger with a complete game this season. David Price has two, but both were as a member of the Rays.</p>
<p>Victor Martinez's grand slam was the fourth of his career. His last was a little more than a year ago, against Boston on June 22.</p>
<p>You do not want to mess with Martinez when the bases are juiced. In seven plate appearances with the bases loaded this season, Martinez is hitting .750 (3-for-4) with 10 RBI and three walks.</p>
<p>Tonight;s victory gives the Tigers a one game lead over the Seattle Mariners for second wild card. The Mariners fell to the Philadelphia Phillies 4-3. Detroit also has a chance to cut the Kansas City Royals' lead to one game in the Central. The Royals are losing to the Colorado Rockies as this recap goes live.</p>
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<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>WIN PROBABILITY GRAPH:</b></p>
<p><b> <iframe src="http://www.fangraphs.com/graphframe.aspx?config=0&static=0&type=livewins&num=0&h=450&w=450&date=2014-08-20&team=Rays&dh=0" scrolling="no" style="border:1px solid black;" frameborder="0" height="450" width="450"></iframe><br><span>Source: <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/livewins.aspx?date=2014-08-20&team=Rays&dh=0&season=2014">FanGraphs</a></span> </b></p>
<p><b>ROLL CALL:</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
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<td width="150">Total comments</td>
<td>663</td>
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<td>Total commenters</td>
<td>39</td>
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<td>Commenter list</td>
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<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Al%20Beaton">Al Beaton</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/AurelioFan">AurelioFan</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Combo%20Guard%20City">Combo Guard City</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DJ%20Screw">DJ Screw</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DetroitSports">DetroitSports</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ExTeeBallPitcher">ExTeeBallPitcher</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/House%20by%20the%20Side%20of%20the%20Road">House by the Side of the Road</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/JWurm">JWurm</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/J_the_Man">J_the_Man</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Jacob30">Jacob30</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/JakeJustice65">JakeJustice65</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Jeff%20Price">Jeff Price</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Joaquin%20on%20Sunshine">Joaquin on Sunshine</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Kwisatz%20Haderach">Kwisatz Haderach</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/MSUDersh">MSUDersh</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Max%27sFangirl">Max'sFangirl</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/NCDee">NCDee</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Nonsuch%20Ned">Nonsuch Ned</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SabreRoseTiger">SabreRoseTiger</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SanDiegoMick">SanDiegoMick</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Singledigit">Singledigit</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Thirsty2">Thirsty2</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Thorpac">Thorpac</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Tigerdog1">Tigerdog1</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Verlanderful">Verlanderful</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/aelix">aelix</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/bettynoire">bettynoire</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/dimes5">dimes5</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/doctor%20hans">doctor hans</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ja_zz">ja_zz</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/jippolito">jippolito</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/kland83">kland83</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ltaylor">ltaylor</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/mrsunshine">mrsunshine</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/praynstayhumble">praynstayhumble</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/skysix">skysix</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/sluggonauts">sluggonauts</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/subic%20sailor">subic sailor</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/texastigerfan">texastigerfan</a>
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<td>Story URLs</td>
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<a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/8/20/6048227/game-124-tigers-at-rays-7-10-p-m">http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/8/20/6048227/game-124-tigers-at-rays-7-10-p-m</a><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/8/20/6051445/game-124-overflow">http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/8/20/6051445/game-124-overflow</a>
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<p><b><b> </b></b></p>
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<p><b>TOP TEN COMMENTERS:</b></p>
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<th>#</th> <th>Commenter</th> <th># Comments </th>
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<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SanDiegoMick">SanDiegoMick</a></td>
<td>94</td>
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<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Joaquin%20on%20Sunshine">Joaquin on Sunshine</a></td>
<td>83</td>
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<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/mrsunshine">mrsunshine</a></td>
<td>50</td>
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<td>4</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/JWurm">JWurm</a></td>
<td>45</td>
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<td>5</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/NCDee">NCDee</a></td>
<td>42</td>
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<td>6</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/J_the_Man">J_the_Man</a></td>
<td>35</td>
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<td>7</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DJ%20Screw">DJ Screw</a></td>
<td>30</td>
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<td>8</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/subic%20sailor">subic sailor</a></td>
<td>29</td>
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<td>9</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/kland83">kland83</a></td>
<td>24</td>
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<td>10</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SabreRoseTiger">SabreRoseTiger</a></td>
<td>23</td>
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<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b><b> </b></b></p>
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<p><b>TOP RECS:</b></p>
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<th># Recs</th> <th>Commenter</th> <th>Comment Link </th>
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<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DJ%20Screw">DJ Screw</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/8/20/6051445/game-124-overflow#252280642">After 2 outs, 5 Tigers reached base, and all of them scored</a></td>
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https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/8/20/6050945/tigers-6-rays-0-rick-porcello-shutoutAl Beaton2014-08-20T21:48:45-04:002014-08-20T21:48:45-04:00Game 124 Afterglow
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<p>BASK!</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/8/20/6051539/game-124-afterglowNCDee2014-08-20T21:14:15-04:002014-08-20T21:14:15-04:00Game 124 Overflow
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<figcaption>Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>He's a maniac MANIAC on the mound!</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/8/20/6051445/game-124-overflowNCDee2014-08-20T09:00:16-04:002014-08-20T09:00:16-04:00Game 124 Preview: Tigers at Rays
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<figcaption>Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Don't look now, but the Tigers are going for their fifth win in their last seven games tonight. Rick Porcello will be on the mound against right-hander Jake Odorizzi.</p> <h4>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Detroit Tigers</a> (67-56) at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Tampa Bay Rays</a> (61-64)</h4>
<p><b>Time/Place:</b> 7:10 p.m., Tropicana Field</p>
<p><b>SB Nation blog:</b> <a href="http://www.draysbay.com/">DRaysBay</a></p>
<p><b>Media:</b> Fox Sports Detroit, <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/mediacenter/index.jsp?c_id=mlb&affiliateId=mlbMENU#date=8/20/2014" 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> RHP <span>Rick Porcello</span> (13-8, 3.28 ERA) vs. RHP <span>Jake Odorizzi</span> (9-9, 3.82 ERA)</p>
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<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>
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<td>Porcello</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>156.1</td>
<td>5.53</td>
<td>1.84</td>
<td>0.75</td>
<td>1.16</td>
<td>3.66</td>
<td>3.90</td>
<td>2.5</td>
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<td>Odorizzi</td>
<td>24</td>
<td>129.2</td>
<td>10.13</td>
<td>3.19</td>
<td>0.90</td>
<td>1.27</td>
<td>3.32</td>
<td>3.38</td>
<td>2.2</td>
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<p>Jake Odorizzi was one of the players that the Rays acquired when they shipped <span>James Shields</span> off to Kansas City. It was not the first time that Odorizzi had been part of a blockbuster deal, though. He was also a part of the trade that sent <span>Zack Greinke</span> to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Milwaukee Brewers</a> -- a trade that also netted the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.royalsreview.com/">Royals</a> current contributors <span>Lorenzo Cain</span> and <span>Alcides Escobar</span>.</p>
<p>Odorizzi made a handful of spot starts for the Rays in 2013, and has seamlessly transitioned to full-time duty in 2014. His 9-9 record and 3.82 ERA are a bit deceiving, as he has given up three runs or fewer in 18 of his 24 starts this year. This includes 11 of his last 12, a stretch where he has held opponents to a 2.63 ERA and .601 OPS in 72 innings. He has struck out seven or more hitters in six of those 12 starts while cutting his walk rate to 7.2 percent.</p>
<p>To me, the strikeouts are the most surprising facet of Odorizzi's profile. His fastball averages 91-92 miles per hour with a maximum speed of 93.6 this year, according to Fangraphs. However, it generates a boatload of whiffs, a big reason why opposing hitters are swinging and missing at 10 percent of the strikes he throws in 2014. Odorizzi primarily works with a fastball-splitter combo, but mixes in a slider against right-handed hitters and the occasional first-pitch curveball to lefties. While his platoon splits are essentially identical, he is striking out nearly 30 percent of the left-handed hitters he faces and has a 4.14 strikeout-to-walk ratio.</p>
<p>Rick Porcello turned in his first stinker in over a month in his last start, allowing six runs (five earned) on 10 hits against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lookoutlanding.com/">Seattle Mariners</a>. While his poor outing may not have mattered given the way <span>James Paxton</span> was mowing down the Tigers' lineup, it was encouraging that Porcello was able to battle his way through six innings in order to save the bullpen (and our eyes) from more of their antics. The last bad start Porcello had came against these same Rays in a start against now-teammate <span>David Price</span> on July 6th. In between then? Five starts and a relief appearances with a 1.89 ERA. The Tigers were just 2-3 in his five starts despite him allowing a total of eight runs.</p>
<p><b>Hitter to fear:</b> <span>Desmond Jennings</span> (.357/.357/.643 in 14 plate appearances)<br><b>Hitter to fail:</b> <span>Evan Longoria</span> (.182/.308/.182 in 13 plate appearances)</p>
<p>Nearly everyone's numbers improved against Porcello on that July 6th matchup, as the Rays scored seven runs on 11 hits in 5 2/3 innings. Desmond Jennings led the charge, hitting a double and a home run. He now has five hits in 14 at-bats against Porcello. New Tiger killer <span>James Loney</span> also had a pair of hits and is 4 for 10 overall. Even Evan Longoria, who has struggled in 11 at-bats against Porcello, was able to tally a hit. Rays newcomers <span>Logan Forsythe</span> and <span>Kevin Kiermaier</span> did not get the memo, though. They both went 0 for 3.</p>
<h5>Outlook</h5>
<p>Odorizzi has put up some pretty significant home/road splits in 2014, but they are almost entirely generated by Tropicana Field's pitcher-friendly confines. The 24 year old right-hander has only allowed four home runs at home this season, and his .287 home BABIP is over 50 points lower than the .340 BABIP he sports on the road. His other numbers -- the strikeout-to-walk ratio, in particular -- are the same no matter what stadium he pitches in. Odorizzi's command issues against right-handed hitters may be an issue this evening, especially if the Tigers demonstrate the same patience that led to a season-high 10 walks last night.</p>
<h5>Prediction</h5>
<p>The Tigers win their second in a row and fifth of their last seven.</p>
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https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/8/20/6048159/2014-game-124-preview-detroit-tigers-at-tampa-bay-raysRob Rogacki