Detroit Tigers vs. Houston Astros: Game Time, TV/Radio Coverage, Lineup

Mar 5, 2014; Kissimmee, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman

Ian Kinsler

(3) hits a rbi-single during the fourth inning against the Houston Astros at Osceola County Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Tigers return home after winning 6-of-7 on the road against division opponents. Detroit enters play versus the Houston Astros on Monday with a 4.5 game lead in the division and a five-game winning streak.

Detroit Tigers (17-9) vs. Houston Astros (10-21) — 7:08 PM ET

Comerica Park — Detroit, MI

TV: Fox Sports Detroit

Radio: 97.1 The Ticket (click for radio affiliates)

Weather: 54 degrees, cloudy

When We Last Met

The Tigers won the first six meetings with the Astros last before finnaly ceding defeat in the seventh and final matchup of the season. Max Scherzer got touched up for a couple of home runs (one by current Tiger J.D. Martinez) and allowed five runs in his seven innings of work. But despite the rare tough outing for Scherzer, the game was tied heading into the ninth inning. Al Alberquerque and Phil Coke would fix that, each allowing a run en route to a 7-5 final score.

But even though Houston managed seven runs in the season finale, they would only total 19 for the season series giving them a 2.7 runs per game average against the Tigers. Detroit totaled 55 runs, a 6.1 runs per game average.

Pitching Matchup

Max Scherzer’s 2014 season has gotten off to a magnificent start. Through six outings he’s posted a sterling 2.08 ERA which is supported by a 2.70 FIP and 2.39 xFIP. He had a fantastic year in 2013 — the Cy Young Award and all that — but so far in 2014 his K/9 rate is up over a strikeout and a half while keeping his walk rate virtually unchanged. He may not quite keep up this level of success all season, but he’s been dang good for the first month.

Jarred Cosart is a promising 23-year old right hander, but he hasn’t yet found his way in the big leagues. Through 91 career big league innings, Cosart has managed just 58 strikeouts against 50 walks. The 3.16 ERA looks outstanding, but his FIP (4.66) and xFIP (4.55) tell a different story for those of us who might be skeptical about his .241 BABIP.

Tigers Lineup

Ian Kinsler, 2B
Torii Hunter, RF
Miguel Cabrera, 1B
Victor Martinez, DH
Austin Jackson, CF
Nick Castellanos, 3B
Alex Avila, C
Andrew Romine, SS
Rajai Davis, LF

Injuries

Tigers:

Anibal Sanchez – 15-day DL
Luke Putkonen – 15-day DL
Joel Hanrahan – 15-day DL
Andy Dirks – 60-day DL
Jose Iglesias – 60-day DL
Bruce Rondon – 60-day DL

Astros:

Scott Feldman – 15-day DL
Matt Albers – 15-day DL
Asher Wojciechowski – 15-day DL
Alex White – 15-day DL
Jesse Crain – 60-day DL

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