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The Detroit Tigers have hit a rough patch in their season, having lost six of their last seven games, including their most recent outing, a 6-2 loss at the hands of the New York Yankees to lose that three-game set two games to one. They did win game two by a score of 7-5, but were swept in the previous series against the Seattle Mariners.
They'll try to right the ship as they begin a three-game set against the Kansas City Royals at home. The Royals lost 12-straight games before picking up three-straight wins, including two over the Cleveland Indians and one over the Minnesota Twins. They went on to lose their most recent outing 7-4, so you can place their momentum wherever you wish, at this point.
Detroit is looking at a solid opportunity to get back on the horse against a team that has been swept three times this year. Game one will see Duane Below take the mound for the Tigers. He's 2-0 this season with no earned run average. His last outing was a no decision after two innings pitched. It's actually his first start of the season, in place of the injured Doug Fister.
Below hasn't given up a run in five appearances this season, over 12 innings altogether. He'll be up against Luke Hochevar, who is 2-1 with a 4.98 ERA, and is coming off a win over the Cleveland Indians. Jonathan Sanchez was expected to make the start initially, but he came down with flu-like symptoms.
Game one is set for 7:05 p.m. eastern.