• 1

DETROIT TIGERS (54-56) vs. BOSTON RED SOX (49-62)

RHP Justin Verlander (1-5, 4.11) vs. LHP Henry Owens (0-1, 5.40)
Sunday, August 9, 2015 at 1:08 p.m.
Comerica Park, Detroit, MI

RECENT RESULTS: The Tigers evened their series against the Red Sox with a 7-6 win on Saturday night at Comerica Park. Victor Martinez hit a go-ahead, two-run home run in the bottom of the seventh. Rajai Davis also hit a two-run blast in the victory, while Ian Kinsler and James McCann each had three hits. Blaine Hardy picked up the win in relief, throwing 1.1 shutout innings with two hits allowed, one walk and two strikeouts. Bruce Rondon worked a scoreless ninth to pick up his first save. The Tigers and Red Sox conclude their three-game series this afternoon. Following today’s game, the Tigers embark on an eight-game road trip, which includes three games at Kansas City (August 10-12), three games at Houston (August 14-16) and two games at the Chicago Cubs (August 18-19).

GORZELANNY’S CONTRACT PURCHASED FROM TOLEDO, GREENE OPTIONED: Prior to today’s game, the Tigers will purchase the contract of lefthanded pitcher Tom Gorzelanny from Triple A Toledo. Gorzelanny, who is making his second stint with the Tigers, has pitched in nine games with the Mud Hens and has a 0-0 record with a 4.00 ERA (9.0IP/4ER), five hits allowed, nine walks and 11 strikeouts. To create space on the active roster, the Tigers have optioned the contract of righthanded pitcher Shane Greene to Toledo.

KINSLER PILING UP THE MULTI-HIT GAMES: Ian Kinsler went 3×4 with two runs scored in last night’s game to record his 43rd multi-hit game of the season. Kinsler’s 43 multi-hit games this season are tied with Texas’ Prince Fielder for the most in the American League. Kinsler has recorded two-or-more hits in seven of his last nine games and 12 of his last 19 games. Over his last 19 games, Kinsler is hitting .432 (35×81) with 20 runs scored, six doubles, two triples, three home runs and 11 RBI.

RONDON SHUTS THE DOOR: Bruce Rondon pitched a scoreless ninth inning with one walk and two strikeouts to pick up the save in last night’s game. The save was the second of Rondon’s career and his first since August 30, 2013 vs. Cleveland. Rondon has thrown five consecutive scoreless appearances and hasn’t allowed a run in nine of his last 10 outings. During the current 10-game stretch, Rondon has a 2.00 ERA (9.0IP/2ER) with five hits allowed, three walks and 13 strikeouts. 

LOOKING FOR THE LEFTY: Jose Iglesias and Nick Castellanos have each had success against lefthanded pitchers this season. Iglesias enters tonight’s game hitting .370 (30×81) with five doubles, one triple, one home run and 10 RBI vs. lefties, while Castellanos is batting .342 (27×79) with a double, two triples, two home runs and 12 RBI. Iglesias’ .370 batting average vs. lefties ranks third in the American League, while Castellanos’ .342 average ranks eighth.

TEAM MICKEY ALL-STAR BASEBALL TOUR: The #TeamMickey All-Star Baseball Tour is stopping at Comerica Park. In addition to existing Sunday Kid’s Day events, guests can enjoy exciting Mickey Mouse themed activities including the chance to see three all-new Mickey Mouse animated baseball clips and other fun video clips from the Emmy® and Annie Award-winning “Disney Mickey Mouse” cartoons. Plus, lucky fans will have the chance to win Mickey-themed merchandise by participating in interactive activities throughout the game. Local Boys & Girls Club members and Detroit Tigers Kids Club members will also be selected to attend and participate in the exciting pre-game on-field celebration. The Walt Disney Company partners with parents and inspires kids to lead healthier lifestyles. Through engaging content, useful tools and unique experiences, The Company makes nutritious eating and physical activity simple and fun.

TODAY’S TIDBITS

• The national anthem and God Bless America will be performed prior to the bottom of the seventh inning by Mosaic Youth Group.
• The ceremonial first pitch will be thrown by a lucky Kid’s Club member accompanied by a special guest from Team Mickey.
• All kids 14-and-under will receive a Jose Iglesias poster, courtesy of Meijer.
• All Sunday home games are Kids Day at Comerica Park. All kids 14-and-under will receive a free promotional item as part of the “Every Kid, Every Sunday” giveaway guarantee, enjoy free rides courtesy of Kroger on the Comerica Bank Carousel or the Fly Ball Ferris Wheel, take part in free face painting, have the chance to win a bicycle and are invited down to the field for Kids Run the Bases courtesy of Aquafina and Meijer following the game, weather permitting.

TIGERS AT A GLANCE

Record: 54-56 / Streak: W1
Game #111 / Home #58
Home: 28-29 / Road 26-27

TIGERS VS. RED SOX

2015 Record: 2-3
2015 at Home: 1-1
2015 at Boston: 1-2
All-Time Record: 964-1,030-13
All-Time at Home: 528-466-7
All-Time at Comerica Park: 29-32
All-Time at Boston: 436-564-6

2015 GAME LOG

STREAKS

Last five games: 3-2
Last 10 games: 6-4
Last 15 games: 7-8
Last 20 games: 9-11

This content was originally published on August 9, 2015. It was delivered electronically to specific media contacts and the entire Detroit Tigers front office staff, as well as being available to media in the press box and distributed to fans at program stands around Comerica Park.