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The Detroit Tigers are coming off of two-straight losses and a series loss to the Texas Rangers, and on top of that, they're losers in four of their last six outings. They had a respectable winning streak before that point, and would like to get back into the swing of things. On Thursday, they're set to begin a four-game set against the Tampa Bay Rays.
In their other meetings this season, the Tigers bested the Rays two games to one, by a total score of 14-8. Their last meeting was a 7-2 win for the Tigers. On top of that, the Rays aren't coming off a good streak, either. They've lost their last three outings, falling in a sweep to the Kansas City Royals. Tampa Bay gave up eight runs twice to Kansas City on Monday and Tuesday, before narrowly losing 5-4 on Wednesday.
Tampa Bay has lost six of their last eight games and are quickly falling behind. Still, they boast a better record than the Tigers. Game 1 will see Max Scherzer take the mound for the Tigers. He has a 6-5 record with a 5.12 earned run average, and was handed a loss in his last outing. He gave up three runs in six innings to the Pirates. His counterpart will be James Shields, who is 7-4 with a 3.99 ERA. His last outing was a no-decision but it was a poorer outing, as he lasted just five innings and gave up five runs.
Game 1 is set for 7:10 p.m. eastern. Detroit will also send Justin Verlander, Rick Procello and Drew Smyly to the mound this series, while Tampa Bay will send David Price, Jeremy Hellickson and Alex Cobb.
Head over to Bless You Boys for more news and notes on the Tigers.