The Detroit Tigers have dropped the first two games of the weekend series at the Cincinnati Reds after their 9-2 loss on Saturday night. Jack Flaherty looked completely lost on the mound while solo shots by Kevin McGonigle and Spencer Torkleson were all that the offense could muster.
On Sunday, they turn to right-hander Keider Montero to prevent a sweep in the Queen City at the hands of their NL foes. The 25-year-old hurler has been a godsend for the Motor City Kitties after replacing an aged Justin
Verlander in the rotation, having already accumulated a full win above replacement (Fangraphs) in just four games.
Montero has faced the Reds just once before — a five-inning effort last year that saw him allow two runs on seven hits (two of them solo home runs) and a walk while striking out four in an 11-5 home victory.
Opposite him is fellow righty Brett Lowder, who has been solid so far in his second season of action. The 24-year-old will be facing the Tigers for the first time in his young career on Saturday.
Here is a look at how those two pitchers match up.
Detroit Tigers (14-14) vs. Cincinnati Reds (18-9)
Time (ET): 1:40 p.m.
Place: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
SB Nation Site: Red Reporter
Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.tv, Tigers Radio Network
Game 29: RHP Keider Montero (1-2, 3.68 ERA) vs. RHP Rhett Lowder (3-1, 3.10 ERA)
MONTERO
LOWDER
