The Crawfish Boxes - AL Series: Houston Astros vs. Detroit Tigers, June 27-29, 2014Astros baseball: we've got uniforms and everything.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/11437/crawfishboxes-fv.gif2014-06-30T01:33:52-05:00http://www.crawfishboxes.com/rss/stream/56149692014-06-30T01:33:52-05:002014-06-30T01:33:52-05:00Astros steal series from Tigers
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<figcaption>Bob Levey</figcaption>
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<p>Astros were one at-bat away from sweeping arguably the best team in the American League. </p> <p>The wounds from the late inning loss the night before were fresh when the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a> took the field the field Sunday. Scott Feldman was on the mound to face the vaunted <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a> lineup. A lineup that included a kid that came out of no where to fill a left field position that the likes of <span>Delmon Young</span>, <span>Andy Dirks</span>, and <span>Rajai Davis</span> before him could not fill - <span>J.D. Martinez</span>. The all too familiar face for Astros fans, Martinez, was fresh off being named the American League player of the week. But, Feldman kept Martinez and the Tigers in check for six effective innings.</p>
<p>Feldman held the Tigers to just two runs on seven hits over six innings, marking his third quality start in his last four outings. He would add four strikeouts and one walk to his pitching line for the day. The Tigers' first run came as a result of <span>Andrew Romine</span> and <span>Torii Hunter</span> in the third. Romine singled and stole second, Hunter would drive him in with a double. In the fifth, <span>Alex Avila</span> stroked a pitch off the upper-deck advertisements in right field for the Tigers' second run.</p>
<p>Those two runs were not enough against Houston, who was having their way with Drew Smyly. Smyly came into the game with a 1.44 in five June starts, but gave up three runs early to the Astros. <span>Jose Altuve</span> lead off the game with a single and stolen base, nothing new for Mr. Altuve but we'll come back to him. <span>George Springer</span> doubled to left to drive home Altuve, and put Houston up one after two at-bats. <span>Jesus Guzman</span> drove in Springer with a single. Guzman moved to second on <span>Matt Dominguez</span> single, and they both moved up a base on a wild pitch. <span>L.J. Hoes</span> drove the in Astros' third run with a sac fly.</p>
<p>Up 3-1, the Astros played add-on. Matt Dominguez and L.J. Hoes hit back-to-back doubles to add run to the Astros' total in the third. Adding another in the sixth as Jon Singleton walked with the bases loaded to make it 5-2 Astros.</p>
<p>The Tigers fought back with two in the eight. Former Tiger, Jose Veras walked <span>Victor Martinez</span> and gave up a single after retiring the first to batters he faced in the inning. <span>Nick Castellanos</span> followed up with a triple* to drive in both runners. The scoreboard now read - Astros 5, Tigers 4</p>
<p>The Astros added an insurance run in the eighth, <span>Carlos Corporan</span> lead of the inning with a double. <span>Marwin Gonzalez</span> ran for him, he moved over to third on a <span>Alex Presley</span> sac bunt. George Springer was intentionally walked to get to Jon Singleton. Singleton repaid them in kind with single to drive in Gonzalez setting the score to 6-4. <span>Tony Sipp</span> would collect his first save since 2012 to close the game.</p>
<p>Now, back to Mr. Altuve. Today, Jose Altuve posted his forth straight game with multiple steals - that is the first time that's happened since Ray Chapman did it in 1917. He also has a stolen base in six straight games. Altuve leads the American League in stolen bases at 36, the next close players are Rajai Davis and Jacoby Elisbury at 21. He currently leads the American League in batting average (.347), tied for second in doubles (25), and Altuve leads the league in hits (116). I think we know who the Astros All-Star will be.</p>
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<p>*Side note: I've watched the highlight of this triple more then once and I don't for the life me understand - how a person not named <span>Mike Trout</span> or George Springer can hit a sharp triple down the line to wall only 315 feet away? Yes, Castellanos is a young, athletic player. But, that's not <span>Carlos Lee</span> in left it's L.J. Hoes. The ball simple needs to get back into the infield faster.</p>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2014/6/30/5855700/astros-6-tigers-4-altuve-astros-steal-series-from-the-tigersRyan Dunsmore2014-06-29T13:00:03-05:002014-06-29T13:00:03-05:00Game thread No. 83: Astros vs. Tigers
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<figcaption>Bob Levey</figcaption>
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<p>Join in the conversation as the Astros take on the Detroit Tigers.</p> <h3> <a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Astros</a> (34-46) vs. Detroit <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Tigers</a> (40-37), 1:10 p.m. (CST)</h3>
<p><strong>TV:</strong> CSN Houston, MLB.TV<br> <strong>Radio: </strong>KBME 790 AM, KLAT 1010 AM<br> <strong>Tigers SBNation Blog</strong>: <a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/">Bless You Boys</a></p>
<h4>Pitching matchup</h4>
<p>RHP <span>Scott Feldman</span> (3-5, 4.00 ERA, 1.31 WHIP) vs. LHP <span>Drew Smyly</span> (4-6, 3.19 ERA, 1.27 WHIP)</p>
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<h4>Lineups</h4>
<div class="pane sports_data_widget lineup clearfix"> <h3>Today's Lineups</h3> <div class="lineup"><table class="zebra" cellspacing="0"> <thead> <tr> <th align="left">DETROIT TIGERS</th> <th align="left">HOUSTON ASTROS</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Austin Jackson</span> - CF</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Jose Altuve</span> - 2B</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Torii Hunter</span> - RF</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>George Springer</span> - RF</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Miguel Cabrera</span> - 1B</td> <td class="td-first td-name">J. Singleton - 1B</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Victor Martinez</span> - DH</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Jesus Guzman</span> - DH</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>J.D. Martinez</span> - LF</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Matt Dominguez</span> - 3B</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name">N. Castellanos - 3B</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>L.J. Hoes</span> - LF</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Alex Avila</span> - C</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Jonathan Villar</span> - SS</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Eugenio Suarez</span> - SS</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Carlos Corporan</span> - C</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Andrew Romine</span> - 2B</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Alex Presley</span> - CF</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"></td> <td class="td-first td-name"></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name">Drew Smyly - LHP</td> <td class="td-first td-name">Scott Feldman - RHP</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div> </div>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2014/6/29/5849888/gamethread-for-detroit-tigers-at-houston-astros-jun-29-2014-1-10-pmDavid Coleman2014-06-29T12:00:04-05:002014-06-29T12:00:04-05:00Game 83 Preview: Houston Astros vs. Detroit Tigers
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<figcaption>Bob Levey</figcaption>
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<p>Scott Feldman hopes to send the Tigers home with their tail between their legs. </p> <h3>
<a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Houston Astros</a> (35-47) vs. Detroit <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a> (44-33), 1:10 p.m. (CST)</h3>
<p><b>TV:</b> CSN Houston, MLB.TV<br><b>Radio: </b>KBME 790 AM, KLAT 1010 AM<br><b>Tigers SBNation Blog</b>: <a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/">Bless You Boys</a></p>
<h4>Pitching matchup</h4>
<p>RHP <span>Scott Feldman</span> (3-5, 4.00 ERA, 1.31 WHIP) vs. LHP <span>Drew Smyly</span> (4-6, 3.19 ERA, 1.27 WHIP)</p>
<h4>Preview</h4>
<p>It's been an roller coster of a series with the Tigers to say the least. Scott Feldman hopes to calm things down in the Astros favor, and thats his job. Feldman isn't the ace of the Astros, he's the wise and sage-like leader of the rotation.</p>
<p>Feldman has rebounded after a set of outings to open June where the right-hander gave up nine runs over 5.1 inning and lasted only 1.2 innings. He has given up seven runs over 17.1 innings in his last three starts. Feldman has 16 strikeouts and four walks in those starts.</p>
<p>On the other hand, home has been no place for Scott Feldman. Feldman has a 4.89 ERA (7 starts) at home compared to a 2.73 ERA (6 starts) on the road. He has also allowed six home runs at Minute Maid park compared to two on the road.</p>
<p>Drew Smyly will take the ball today for the Tigers, he has been lights out in June. Smyly has a 1.44 ERA in his last five starts with 17 strikeouts and five walks. The 2010 Tigers draft pick, held the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Rangers</a> to one unearned run over six innings last Tuesday - walking one and striking out five.</p>
<p>The bottom of the Tigers lineup has been killer this series for the Astros. <span>Eugenio Suarez</span> came in this weekend's series batting .172 (5-29) in his last ten games, he is 4-for-7 this series with two runs scored and a RBI. Catchers Bryan Holaday and <span>Alex Avila</span> are a combined 3-for-7.</p>
<p>The Astros struck out a total of 26 times in their last two games. Yes, that's against the reigning Cy-Young award winner and a former Cy-Young winner but this is ridiculous. That will need an improvement if the Astros have any hope for continued success.</p>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2014/6/29/5854488/game-83-preview-houston-astros-vs-detroit-tigersRyan Dunsmore2014-06-29T08:42:28-05:002014-06-29T08:42:28-05:00Tigers 4, Astros 3: Old foe Kinsler strikes again
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<figcaption>Bob Levey</figcaption>
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<p>The Astros showed their spots as they couldn't close the door on one the American League's best teams. </p> <p>The <a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Astros</a> stared down the 2013 American League Cy-Young award winner Saturday, and for at least the first inning they didn't blink. Houston jumped out a quick two-run in lead in the first. <span>George Springer</span> and Jon Singleton hit back-to-back singles to put two on with one out. They would both move up a base on a throwing error, setting the runners at second and third. <span>Jason Castro</span> would proceed to strike out, it was the first of his three strikeouts for the day. Then <span>Alex Presley</span> came to bat, an odd choice for the five hole as he was on a 1-for-16 stretch coming into the game. But, Presley came through. The Astros' center fielder flipped the fifth-straight fastball he faced from <span>Max Scherzer</span> right back up the middle to plate two.</p>
<p>Both Scherzer and spot-starter <span>Brett Oberholtzer</span> settled in after the first inning. Scherzer's next six inning would be scoreless as he struck out 13 Astros hitters in the game and walked just one. Oberholtzer was impressive in his own right, he pitched like a man who doesn't want to be in Oklahoma City anymore. Obe' gave up one run over 6.1 innings - scattering five hits, walking two, and striking out four.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Tigers</a>' one run off Oberholtzer came in fifth after <span>Torii Hunter</span> lead off the inning with a single. The bottom of the Tigers lineup, <span>Bryan Holaday</span> and <span>Eugenio Suarez</span> would come through with singles to push Hunter across the plate.</p>
<p>The Astros attempted to match that run put up by the Tigers. Jose Altuve added to his American League leading stolen base total, now up to 34. Altuve and <span>Marwin Gonzalez</span> pulled off a double steal in the bottom of the fifth. Setting the table for Springer and Singleton with two runners in scoring position and one out. But, both would strikeout to end the inning.</p>
<p>The Tigers would threaten in the seventh. Oberholtzer's day was done after walking <span>Nick Castellanos</span> and Holaday reached base on a bunt-single. <span>Josh Zeid</span> replaced the Astros' starter, and Eugernio Suarez greeted him with a single to load the bases. <span>Rajai Davis</span> hit a grounder close to third that took <span>Matt Dominguez</span> within one step of the bag. But, Dominguez didn't force the runner at third. Instead, he threw a bullet to Jason Castro to perceive the 2-1 Astros lead. Ian Kinseler stepped into box next and fisted a ball into shallow left-center. <span>L.J. Hoes</span> streaked from his position in front of the Crawford Boxes to make a diving catch to keep the Astros in the lead.</p>
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<p>Moving to the eighth, Bo Porter called on <span>Chad Qualls</span> with the heart of the Tigers lineup coming to bat - <span>Miguel Cabrera</span>, <span>Victor Martinez</span>, and <span>J.D. Martinez</span>. Which brings up the question of when should one to use a 'closer'? Is your closer is the best reliever to be used when the situation calls for it? Is he the guy that is intended to get the twenty seventh out? Either way, Qualls would work around a J.D. Martinez double to finish of the eighth. The Astros' best reliever did his job against the Tigers' best hitter.</p>
<p>The question about closers be came all too important in the ninth as Jerome William replaced Qualls for the ninth. Two of the first three batters would reach base on Williams - Castellanos and Suarez singled to put runners on first and second. Williams made a nice play coming off the mound to get Rajai Davis' sac bunt attempt. There were now two outs and runners on second and third. <span>Ian Kinsler</span> stepped in. Williams fell behind quickly 2-0 to the former Ranger. The next pitch was belted just left of the spot where <span>Brad Ausmus</span> hit his famous home run in 2005 playoffs. A home run. Kinsler put the Tigers up 4-2.</p>
<p>Alex Presley continued his offensive night by hitting a solo home run to put the Astros within one. But, it would not be enough. <span>Scott Feldman</span> squares of against <span>Drew Smyly</span> in the rubber game at 1:10 pm CT.</p>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2014/6/29/5854328/tigers-4-astros-3-old-foe-kinsler-strikes-againRyan Dunsmore2014-06-28T15:10:02-05:002014-06-28T15:10:02-05:00Game Thread No. 82: Astros vs. Tigers
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<figcaption>Otto Greule Jr</figcaption>
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<p>Join in the conversation as the Astros take on the Detroit Tigers.</p> <h4> <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Houston Astros</a> (35-46) vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Detroit Tigers</a> (40-38), 3:10 p.m. (CST)</h4>
<p><strong>TV:</strong> CSN Houston, MLB.TV<br> <strong>Radio: </strong>KBME 790 AM, KLAT 1010 AM<br> <strong>Tigers SBNation Blog</strong>: <a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/">Bless You Boys</a></p>
<h4>Pitching matchup</h4>
<p>LHP <span>Brett Oberholtzer</span> (2-6, 4.76 ERA, 1.39 WHIP) vs. RHP <span>Max Scherzer</span> (9-3, 3.71 ERA, 1.26 WHIP)</p>
<h4>Lineups</h4>
<div class="pane sports_data_widget lineup clearfix"> <h3>Today's Lineups</h3> <div class="lineup"><table class="zebra" cellspacing="0"> <thead> <tr> <th align="left">DETROIT TIGERS</th> <th align="left">HOUSTON ASTROS</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Rajai Davis</span> - CF</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Jose Altuve</span> - 2B</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Ian Kinsler</span> - 2B</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>George Springer</span> - RF</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Miguel Cabrera</span> - DH</td> <td class="td-first td-name">J. Singleton - 1B</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Victor Martinez</span> - 1B</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Jason Castro</span> - C</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>J.D. Martinez</span> - LF</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Alex Presley</span> - CF</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Torii Hunter</span> - RF</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Matt Dominguez</span> - 3B</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name">N. Castellanos - 3B</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Chris Carter</span> - DH</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Bryan Holaday</span> - C</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Marwin Gonzalez</span> - SS</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Eugenio Suarez</span> - SS</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>L.J. Hoes</span> - LF</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"></td> <td class="td-first td-name"></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name">Max Scherzer - RHP</td> <td class="td-first td-name">Brett Oberholtzer - LHP</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div> </div>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2014/6/28/5849890/gamethread-for-detroit-tigers-at-houston-astros-jun-28-2014-3-10-pmDavid Coleman2014-06-27T19:00:04-05:002014-06-27T19:00:04-05:00Game Thread No. 81: Astros vs. Tigers
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<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Join in the conversation as the Astros take on the Detroit Tigers.</p> <h4> <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Houston Astros</a> (34-46) vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">D</a>etroit <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a> (40-37), 7:10 p.m. (CST)</h4>
<p><strong>TV:</strong> CSN Houston, MLB.TV<br> <strong>Radio: </strong>KBME 790 AM, KLAT 1010 AM<br> <strong>Tigers SBNation Blog</strong>: <a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/">Bless You Boys</a></p>
<h4>Pitching matchup</h4>
<p>RHP <span>Brad Peacock</span> (2-4, 4.50 ERA) vs. LHP <span>Justin Verlander</span> (6-7, 4.82 ERA)</p>
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<h4>Lineups</h4>
<div class="pane sports_data_widget lineup clearfix"> <h3>Today's Lineups</h3> <div class="lineup"><table class="zebra" cellspacing="0"> <thead> <tr> <th align="left">DETROIT TIGERS</th> <th align="left">HOUSTON ASTROS</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Ian Kinsler</span> - 2B</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Jose Altuve</span> - 2B</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Torii Hunter</span> - RF</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>George Springer</span> - RF</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Miguel Cabrera</span> - 1B</td> <td class="td-first td-name">J. Singleton - 1B</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Victor Martinez</span> - DH</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Matt Dominguez</span> - 3B</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>J.D. Martinez</span> - LF</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Jason Castro</span> - C</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name">N. Castellanos - 3B</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Jesus Guzman</span> - DH</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Austin Jackson</span> - CF</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Alex Presley</span> - CF</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Alex Avila</span> - C</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>L.J. Hoes</span> - LF</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <span>Eugenio Suarez</span> - SS</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <span>Jonathan Villar</span> - SS</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"></td> <td class="td-first td-name"></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name">Justin Verlander - RHP</td> <td class="td-first td-name">Brad Peacock - RHP</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></div> </div>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2014/6/27/5849862/gamethread-for-detroit-tigers-at-houston-astros-jun-27-2014-7-10-pmDavid Coleman2014-06-27T18:00:05-05:002014-06-27T18:00:05-05:00AL Series Preview: Astros vs. Tigers
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<figcaption>This one is for Terri. | Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Brad Ausmus returns to Houston as a manager of the Tigers, and oh yeah that J.D. Martinez guy returns too.</p> <h3><span><a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Astros</a> (34-46) vs. Detroit <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Tigers</a> (43-32)</span></h3>
<p>The obvious story for this series at the beginning of the season would have been the return of <span>Brad Ausmus</span> to Houston. Ausmus who spent 10 years with the Astros and was named the Tigers' manager this offseason. But, former Astro <span>J.D. Martinez</span> has hit away to the front page.</p>
<p>The Tigers took three of four in Detroit against the Astros earlier this season in May. Since then the Tigers have been on a bit of tailspin as the <a href="https://www.royalsreview.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Royals</a> took the lead in the American League Central for the first time since 2003. But, since that time the Tigers have surged back to take a 4.5 game lead in the central. Now, they come to town to face the 'Kstros'.</p>
<h4>Where did that come from?!</h4>
<p>The Tigers come to today's game with a seven-game winning streaking. This includes a three-game sweep of the <a href="https://www.lonestarball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Rangers</a>, where the Tigers outscored the Rangers 22-8. One of the keys to this surge is Astros' castoff J.D. Martinez. He is batting .400 (16-40) with six home runs and 16 RBIs in his last ten games. Yeesh, sometimes it takes a new environment for someone to thrive, or like many times Martinez is the same guy that was very hot and cold at the plate with Astros.</p>
<p>Of course the usual suspects brought their bats with them over the past week for the Tigers. Four players, including the previously mentioned J.D. Martinez, have an OPS over .950 in the team's last six games. <span>Victor Martinez</span>, 9-for-23 with five extra base hits and six walks in his past six games. <span>Ian Kinsler</span> is 12-for-26 with five extra base hits, four walks, and stolen base. <span>Miguel Cabrera</span>, of course wouldn't be left out of the hit party, is 10-for-26 with five extra-base hits and seven RBIs.</p>
<p><span>Nick Castellanos</span> and <span>Eugenio Suarez</span> have struggle of late. Suarez is batting .172 (5-29) with four walks in his last ten games. Castellanos is batting .255 (9-40) with three RBIs and one walk.</p>
<p><span>Joe Nathan</span> heads the Tigers bullpen, Nathan has had his troubles this season with five blown saves. He appears to have returned to form with saves in 3 of his last four chances.</p>
<h4><span>Calling all bats, your service is needed...</span></h4>
<p>The 'Kstros' have returned, Houston Chronicle's Evan Drellich pointed out this morning that the Astros strikeouts are way up...</p>
<blockquote data-partner="tweetdeck" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>In last 14 days, Astros K rate is eye-popping <a href="http://t.co/X4sPqwp6HZ">pic.twitter.com/X4sPqwp6HZ</a></p>
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanDrellich/statuses/482531084521857024">June 27, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>Outside of <span>Jose Altuve</span>, there isn't much to preview with the offense has stunk it up. Altuve is leading the majors in hits (107), and the American League in batting average (.334) and steals (30). <span>George Springer</span> has three home runs in his last six games. <span>Matt Dominguez</span> had a nice 2-for-3 game with a home run on Thursday.</p>
<p>Alex Presley gets the Start in center for Dexter Fowler tonight, Fowler is experiencing back tightness. Presley is 2-for-6 with a double against Verlander in his career.</p>
<h4>Pitching Matchups</h4>
<p><b>RHP <span>Brad Peacock</span> (2-4, 4.50 ERA, 1.53 WHIP) vs. RHP <span>Justin Verlander</span> (6-7, 4.82 ERA, 1.51 WHIP)</b></p>
<p>Baseball is a funny game. Filled with streaks and flukes, and numbers that mislead. Who would have guessed that Brad Peacock would have a lower ERA (4.50) and xFIP (4.42*) then perennial ace Justin Verlander (4.82 ERA, 4.59 xFIP*)? At least for now, it's true. Peacock hopes to improve his stats tonight after skipping his last start because food poisoning.</p>
<p>In his last start on June 15, Peacock allowed two runs on three hits to the <a href="https://www.draysbay.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Rays</a>. He required 91 pitches to get through just four innings of work. On May 7 in Detroit. Peacock was the tough-luck loser. He gave up three runs over 6.2 innings on four hits and four walks. The Astros lost 3-2 that game. All three runs given up by Peacock came by way of the long ball, Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez left the yard.</p>
<p>To say Just Verlander has rough patch this season would be a gross understatement. Starting on May 14, Verlander gave up five or more runs in six of his last eight games. Of course, he appears to have righted the ship in his last start, holding the <a href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Indians</a> to two runs over seven with five hits, one walk, and eight strikeouts in the game.</p>
<p>Verlander is facing the majority of the Astros lineup for the first time, with Houston's track record that a positive for the pitcher. <span>Jason Castro</span> is 0-for-2 with a walk and two strikeouts; <span>Chris Carter</span> is 0-3 with three strikeouts.</p>
<p><b>LHP Dallas Keuchel (8-5, 2.78 ERA, 1.10 WHIP) vs. RHP Max Scherzer (9-3, 3.71 ERA, 1.26 WHIP) </b></p>
<p><b>Tigers Career vs. Keuchel</b></p>
<ul>
<li> <span>Austin Jackson</span>: 3-6, 1 2B</li>
<li>Ian Kinsler: 6-19, 1 HR</li>
<li>Victor Martinez: 3-6</li>
</ul>
<div>
<p><b>Astros Career vs. Scherzer</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Jason Castro: 0-6, 5 K</li>
<li> <span>Carlos Corporan</span>: 2-5, 2 HR</li>
<li>Matt Dominguez, 1-9, 4 K</li>
<li> <span>Dexter Fowler</span>, 4-13, 1 2B</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><b>RHP Scott Feldman (3-5, 4.00 ERA, 1.31 WHIP) vs. LHP Drew Smyly (4-6, 3.19 ERA, 1.27 WHIP)</b></p>
<p><b>Tigers Career vs. Feldman</b></p>
<ul>
<li><span>Miguel Cabrera: 9-13, 2 2B, 2 HR<br></span></li>
<li><span>Raja Davis: 4-16, 1 3B</span></li>
<li><span><span>Torii Hunter</span>: 2-9, 1 3B</span></li>
<li><span>Victor Martinez: 3-3, 1 HR </span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<p><b>Astros Career vs. Smyly</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Jose Altuve: 1-3, 1 2B</li>
<li> <span>L.J. Hoes</span>: 2-2</li>
<li>George Springer: 1-2, 1 HR </li>
</ul>
</div>
<h4>Predictions</h4>
<p>I foresee like many players before him, J.D. Martinez will attempt to lift the chip off his shoulder in one fell swoop against the Astros. As result I expect him to leave the yard or strike out a bunch as he presses. The Astros performance this series is a good yard stick for the year thus far, they won't get blow out but they won't win the series either.</p>
<p>*Stats courtesy of FanGraphs</p>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2014/6/27/5850696/al-series-preview-houston-astros-vs-detroit-tigers-june-27-29-2014Ryan Dunsmore