Tigers Vs. Rangers: Detroit Kicks Off Series In Texas

The Detroit Tigers are looking to try and gain more ground in the AL Central after losing a series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, but they'll have a heck of a test in their next series. They face the best team in baseball, the Texas Rangers. Texas is fresh off a series win against reeling Colorado and has won 11 of their last 13 games. Slugging runs in has been the Rangers' specialty all season long and their crew, including Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz, isn't looking to slow down its torrid paces any time soon.

Detroit will send Rick Porcello to the mound, as the righty tries to improve his fortunes against the AL West this season. He has gone 0-3 with a 12.08 ERA in his three games against AL West competition so far this season, but his overall numbers are a bit better -- 4-5 with a 4.95 ERA. The last game that he faced the Tigers was a forgettable one, with nine runs allowed.

He'll take on Justin Grimm of the Rangers, a rookie who will be making only his second ever league start. He was able to get the win in his first start, throwing an impressive seven strikeout performance during an 8-3 victory over the Houston Astros.

The game will be at Rangers Ballpark at 8:05 p.m. ET.

For more on the Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers, head over to Bless You Boys and Lone Star Ball, the teams respective SB Nation blogs. More news and analysis on the world of baseball can be found over at Baseball Nation.