The Detroit Tigers have not had much luck this weekend, dropping two straight to the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field, including a 3-1 loss on Saturday afternoon in Tarik Skubal’s return from the injured list. While the offense put up nine hits, the team reverted back to its unclutch ways, going just 1-for-5 with runners in scoring position and leaving six on base in the defeat.
On Sunday afternoon, the Motor City Kitties look to prevent a sweep at the hands of their American League Central
rivals with right-hander Casey Mize toeing the rubber. The 29-year-old is also returning from his second stint on the IL this season with inflammation of his right groin.
Mize had looked great in his return from his first trip to the IL, posting a 1.08 ERA and 1.61 FIP stretching over 16 1/3 innings and three starts, allowing eight hits and a walk while striking out 14 over that stretch. The last time he saw Cleveland was in the AL Wild Card Game last September, in which he gave his team three one-run innings on just a solo home run and two walks while striking out one in what turned out to be a 6-1 loss for the Tigers.
For the Guardians, fellow righty Gavin Williams will climb the hill looking to secure his team’s second sweep and seventh straight win over Detroit this season. The 26-year-old comes into Sunday having struggled over his last two outings — both against the New York Yankees — posting a 5.23 ERA and 7.17 FIP stretching over 10 1/3 frames with four walks and 11 strikeouts.
Williams faced the Tigers last year in the postseason, earning a quality start for his two-run (neither earned) effort over six innings on five hits and a walk while striking out eight in a 2-1 loss.
Here is how the two match up in the series finale.
Detroit Tigers (29-42) vs. Cleveland Guardians (39-33)
Time (ET): 1:40 p.m.
Place: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
SB Nation Site: Covering the Corner
Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network
Game 72: RHP Casey Mize (2-3, 2.27 ERA) vs. RHP Gavin Williams (9-3, 3.32 ERA)
MIZE
WILLIAMS
