The Detroit Tigers have scored only four runs during the first two games of their home series against the Kansas City Royals. It’s still been enough to keep their winning streak going.
Detroit will be aiming for its sixth consecutive victory in the finale of the three-game series on Thursday afternoon.
The Tigers won the first two games of the series by scores of 2-1. Detroit rallied for two eighth-inning runs in the series opener on Tuesday before Wenceel Perez smacked a homer in the eighth to break a 1-1 tie on Wednesday.
Right-hander Keider Montero (1-1, 1.74 ERA) will get the start for the Tigers in the series finale. Montero was called up from Triple-A Toledo when Justin Verlander was placed on the injured list. Montero has pitched well in both of his starts.
He especially was sharp in his second start, holding Miami scoreless for six innings while allowing just two hits on Friday. He walked only one batter and struck out seven.
Montero, who is 0-1 with a 3.09 ERA in two career starts against Kansas City, will be opposed by Kris Bubic (2-1, 2.50 ERA). The left-hander delivered a dominant performance on Friday, holding the Chicago White Sox scoreless for seven innings. He only gave up two hits and a walk while striking out 11.
The slider and sweeper both worked well to complement his fastball.
“If it’s not broke, keep going to it,” Bubic said. “Until we saw something different, we figured we’d keep going to it.”
Bubic had never struck out more than nine batters in his career.
“I knew. Just to see the double digits, it’s nice,” he said. “Pitchers, you always love strikeouts. It’s not going to be like that every game. But when you get the chance to get close or get there, you want to take advantage of it.”
Bubic said he felt he could have gone longer after throwing just 88 pitches.
“It’s early in the season,” Bubic said. “That was my first time going seven ups as well, counting spring training. I’ll take it. Next time we get there, we’ll get eight. I’ll be ready for it.”
Bubic is 2-1 with a 2.45 ERA in 11 career appearances against Detroit.
Detroit’s rookie phenom, infielder Kevin McGonigle, made big news on Wednesday. McGonigle, who is batting .313, signed an eight-year, $150 million contract extension.
“Since I’ve been drafted, it’s just who I am, I’m loyal,” McGonigle said. “I want to stick [in] one spot and help the team out and win a World Series. We were able to agree on this deal and I know it was the right move.”
McGonigle scored the go-ahead run in the series opener. After signing the contract, McGonigle reached base twice on Wednesday.
“This is a dream that he’s living and it can get even better,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “This is just scratching the surface. Don’t confuse security with comfort. This guy is going to continue to push. That’s why we love him here.”
Detroit utility man Zach McKinstry left the game on Wednesday after the seventh inning due to a bruised hip.
–Field Level Media
