(Sports Network) - In what could be one of his last games in a Mariners uniform, Cliff Lee will take the hill for Seattle in the finale of a three- game set against the Detroit Tigers.
Lee, who is going for his fourth consecutive complete game, is one of the prized pitchers that will likely be on the move before the trading deadline. Plenty of teams have thrown their hat in the ring in terms of trying to acquire Lee, and with the Mariners struggling to keep up in the AL West, it could only be a matter of time before the southpaw is moved.
Along with his three consecutive complete games, the devastating Lee has also won six of his last eight starts. The last time he was on the hill, Lee was not at his best, as he allowed four runs -- three earned -- against the Yankees. However, despite the mediocre performance, the crafty veteran still went the distance.
Lee is no stranger to the Tigers, having battled Detroit plenty of times when playing for Cleveland. However, the Tigers have had Lee's number, as he is just 5-9 with a 4.76 earned run average in 20 outings against Detroit.
The Tigers will give the ball to Jeremy Bonderman, who has won two of his last three matchups. The last time the right-hander was on the hill he led the Tigers to a 7-5 win over Minnesota. In the victory, Bonderman was not overwhelming, as he surrendered four runs on nine hits in just 5 1/3 innings of work.
Earlier this season the veteran tossed seven strong innings against Seattle, holding the Mariners to just one unearned run, while also striking out six batters. Despite the outstanding performance, Bonderman did not factor in the decision.
Overall in his career against the Mariners, Bonderman has been rather inconsistent and while he might have a 5-4 mark in 12 starts against Seattle, he also possesses a lackluster 4.97 earned run average.
Yesterday, Justin Verlander fanned 10 batters in a seven- inning start as the Tigers downed the Mariners, 6-1.
Verlander (10-5) allowed seven hits, a run and walked a batter to win for the fifth time in six starts. He is the first Tigers pitcher to post a double- digit win total in at least five straight seasons since Frank Tanana (1985-89).
Brandon Inge drove in three runs for Detroit, which won for the 12th time in its last 13 games at Comerica Park, moving to an American League-best 27-11 at home.
"I think we just play our ballpark well, a lot of gaps to be had out there," Inge said.
Jason Vargas (6-4) dropped his second consecutive start after yielding eight hits and six runs over 4 1/3 innings.
"I don't think he threw like a guy who gave up six runs today," Mariners catcher Josh Bard said. "They did a good job in situation hitting. When they made outs it seemed like they were getting guys in on ground balls with less than two outs."
Michael Saunders singled in the only run for the Mariners, who lost their third in a row. They've been outscored 13-2 thus far in this series.
Seattle has won four of seven matchups with Detroit this season and seven of the past 12 games between the ballclubs.
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