The Texas Rangers have pitched 25 consecutive scoreless innings, going back to the second game of their doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday. (Adam Jones hit a second-inning home run in Game 2 of the twinbill.) That includes Monday’s shutout of the Detroit Tigers by Alexi Ogando and two relievers.
Can the Tigers break that streak in Tuesday’s matinee? Perhaps more importantly, can they get their offense going?
Magglio Ordonez in the lineup probably would’ve helped with that, especially with left-hander C.J. Wilson pitching for Texas. But he’s out of the lineup with inflammation in his right ankle. (To be more specific, it’s the bursa sac between the heel and ankle.) Casper Wells starts in his place in right field.
Brennan Boesch is in the lineup against the left-handed Wilson. That probably wouldn’t be the case normally, but the Tigers are short-handed with Ordonez out. Plus, Boesch actually hits lefties quite well, compiling a .337/.408/.548 average.
Here are the starting lineups:
Detroit Tigers
1. Austin Jackson, CF
2. Ramon Santiago, 2B
3. Ryan Raburn, LF
4. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
5. Victor Martinez, C
6. Brennan Boesch, DH
7. Jhonny Peralta, SS
8. Brandon Inge, 3B
9. Casper Wells, RF
Texas Rangers
1. Elvis Andrus, SS
2. Michael Young, 2B
3. Josh Hamilton, DH
4. Adrian Beltre, 3B
5. Nelson Cruz, RF
6. David Murphy, LF
7. Yorvit Torrealba, C
8. Mitch Moreland, 1B
9. Julio Borbon, CF
Pitching for the Tigers is Brad Penny. He performed better in his second start of the season than in his debut, but still gave up four runs in 5 1/3 innings to the Orioles. He hasn’t made it through six innings in either of his starts and has allowed 12 runs,13 hits and seven walks in 9 2/3 innings.
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