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DETROIT TIGERS (62-74) vs. TAMPA BAY RAYS (67-69)

LHP Randy Wolf (0-3, 6.11) vs. LHP Drew Smyly (2-2, 3.11)
Monday, September 7, 2015 at 1:08 p.m.
Comerica Park, Detroit, MI

RECENT RESULTS: The Tigers lost the series finale to the Indians 4-0 on Sunday afternoon at Comerica Park. Justin Verlander turned in a quality start, but took the loss after allowing three runs on seven hits with two walks and four strikeouts in 7.0 innings. Victor Martinez went 1×3 with a double in the loss, while Tyler Collins and Dixon Machado each added one hit. The Tigers continue their six-game homestand today with a Labor Day matinee against the Tampa Bay Rays. Following the series vs. the Rays, the Tigers embark on their penultimate road trip of 2015, traveling to Cleveland for four games (September 10-13) and Minnesota for three games (September 14-16).

VERLANDER EXTENDS QUALITY START STREAK TO SIX: Justin Verlander allowed three runs on seven hits with two walks and four strikeouts in 7.0 innings in yesterday’s game to record his sixth straight quality start. The streak is his longest in a single season since he also had six straight from April 7-May 5, 2013. Over his last six starts, Verlander has compiled a 2-3 record with a 1.27 ERA (42.2IP/6ER), 26 hits, 11 walks and 39 strikeouts.

KINSLER NEARING 1,500 HITS: Ian Kinsler enters this afternoon’s game with 1,496 hits. His 1,496 hits are the fourth-most among active second basemen. By reaching the 1,500 hit mark, Kinsler would become the 77th second baseman in MLB history to reach that accomplishment.

COLLINS HEATING UP: Tyler Collins went 1×3 in Sunday’s game and has now hit safely in five of his last six games. During the six-game stretch, which includes three multi-hit games, Collins is batting .409 (9×22) with three runs scored, three doubles, one home run and two RBI.

McCANNON: James McCann threw out Michael Martinez attempting to steal second base during the seventh inning of yesterday’s game. It marked McCann’s 19th catcher caught stealing this season, which is tied for the fifth most in the American League. Additionally, McCann has a caught stealing percentage of 39.6 percent this season, which ranks 10th in the AL.

LOOKING FOR THE LEFTY: Nick Castellanos has had success against lefthanded pitchers this season. Castellanos enters today’s game hitting .360 (36×100) with four doubles, two triples, five home runs and 20 RBI vs. southpaws. His .360 batting average vs. lefties ranks third in the American League.

Grandparents Day: A special ticket package includes a game ticket and a 2015 limited edition Grandparents Day t-shirt. The first 500 ticket package purchasers will have the opportunity to participate in a pregame on-field stroll around the field. Before the game there will be activities located throughout the concourse for fans and grandparents to enjoy. The Detroit Tigers Party Patrol will host interactive games for fans of all ages in the Big Cat Court. Fans can create lifetime memories with their grandparents or grandchildren in the Grandparents Day photo booth near section 119. There will be face painters and The Reflections, singers of the 1964 hit song “(Just Like) Romeo and Juliet”, will perform from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. near Gate B on the concourse.

MVP (Military Veteran’s Program): Mario Impemba’s salute to those who served. Through the program, Mario invites those who served and the families impacted by the service of a loved one in support of our nation to attend Monday home games at Comerica Park. The group of 30 Veterans and guests receive a lower-bowl ticket to the Tigers game, a “MVP” t-shirt, a voucher for a BBQ dinner and an autographed photo of Ti-gers broadcaster Mario Impemba. The Veterans and guests arrive to the ballpark in style in the FOX Sports Detroit Fan Express. On September 7, the Tigers partner with WWII Submarine Veterans – Escolar Base Chapter from Warren, Michigan.

TODAY’S TIDBITS

• The ceremonial first pitches will be thrown by Tigers Fan Jeannie Harris, Fred Bartolomei, representing CATCH and as part of Grandparents Day, 103-year-old Tigers Fan Mary Weider (grandmother of 10, great-grandmother of 18 and great-great grandmother of five).
• The national anthem will be performed by vocalist Sarah Gunter.
• God Bless America will be performed by 92-year-old Harold Lanning (grandfather of ten and great-grandfather of 14).

TIGERS AT A GLANCE

Record: 62-74/ Streak: L1
Game #137 / Home #69
Home: 31-37 / Road 31-37

TIGERS VS. RAYS

2015 Record: 1-2
2015 at Home: 0-0
2015 at Tampa Bay: 1-2
All-Time Record: 64-62
All-Time at Home: 32-39
All-Time at Comerica Park: 29-25
All-Time at Tampa Bay: 32-33

2015 GAME LOG

STREAKS

Last five games: 1-4
Last 10 games: 2-8
Last 15 games: 3-12
Last 20 games: 6-14

This content was originally published on September 7, 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.