By Craig Elliott
The Astros managed to win only one game in Chicago, after blowing 15 leads and giving up 10 grand slams. At this point the bullpen is melting down faster than a Willy Taveras thread on the Talkzone. The ‘Stros are still 5 games back of the Co-Ards, despite St. Louis losing six in row. But those Jake losses were also to the White Sox and the Tigers.
The Tigers have the best record in baseball and are just ahead of the cocksucking White Sox. Detroit just swept the Co-Ards, and they’re 16-7 in June. Third-baseman Brandon Inge leads the team in homers with 16, but Magglio Ordonez and Marcus Thames each have 15, and Chris Shelton has 14. Kenny Rogers has 10 wins, and Todd Jones has 20 saves.
When:
Monday, June 26, 6:05 p.m. CDT – FSN
Tuesday, June 27, 6:05 p.m. CDT – FSN
Wednesday, June 28, 12:05 p.m. CDT – FSN
MLB Extra Innings – Monday’s and Tuesday’s games will be on the Fox Sports Detroit affiliate, and Wednesday’s will be on Fox Southwest.
Where: Comerica Park
The Tigers are 23-14 at home, while the Astros are 13-20 on the road.
Projected Matchups
Wandy Rodriguez (8-4, 4.45) v. Zach Miner (3-1, 2.08)
Wandy only allowed two runs in 6 innings against the Twins, but got a no-decision. He’s 2-2 in June, and has never faced the Tigers.
Miner was called up earlier this month to fill in for Mike Maroth, who is out until sometime in August. Miner has made four starts, and has won the last the three. In his last start he went the distance against the Brewers, allowing only one run (which came with two outs in the 9th inning) on five hits.
Roger Clemens (0-1, 3.60) v. Nate Robertson (7-3, 3.38)
Clemens is 25-10 in 45 appearances against the Tigers, with an ERA just over 4. Current Tigers are 32-for-125 (.256) against him with five homers – three from Ivan Rodriguez and two from Magglio Ordonez. Pudge is 10-for-43 (.233) with seven strikeouts against Roger, while Ordonez is 6-for-24. Carlos Guillen is 5-for-19.
Robertson has never faced the Astros. He’s 2-0 in June, and had a no-decision in his last start. All three of his losses have come at home. Only one Astro, Preston Wilson, has faced Robertson before and he’s 2-for-2 with two homers.
Andy Pettitte (6-8, 5.75) v. Justin Verlander (9-4, 3.39)
Andy is 2-2 in June after losing his last start to the White Sox. He’s given up six or more runs six times this season. He’s 9-7 in 20 appearances against the Tigers. Current Tigers are 34-for-110 (.309) against Pettitte, with two homers each from Magglio and Pudge. Rodriguez is 13-for-33 (.394) against Andy, and Ordonez is 11-for-30 (.367). Guillen is 7-for-18.
Verlander is this year’s hot rookie starter, and he’s going for his 10th win already. He’s had 15 starts this year and two last year. He’s won six of his last seven decisions, and beat the Jakes in his last start.
Key injuries:
Houston – Brandon Backe is headed to Round Rock to rehab. Jeff Bagwell is touring Italy with the beautiful people.
Detroit – Nate Robertson is questionable for his start in this series. Ivan Rodriguez has an injured wrist but is probable. Dmitri Young, Mike Maroth, Craig Dingman, and Troy Percival are all out.
Other shit
* I saw this article about how you can now get coffins and cremation urns that have Major League team colors and logos. The Link In a related development, you can also subscribe to MLB Eternal Innings; be sure to read the fine print though, because MLB’s stupid fucking blackout rules apply even in Heaven.