Detroit Tigers at Boston Red Sox 5/17/14: Game Time, TV/Radio Coverage, Lineup

May 16, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Detroit Tigers designated hitter

Victor Martinez

(41) safely slides into second base past the tag of Boston Red Sox second baseman

Dustin Pedroia

(15) during the third inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Up until seven months ago, the Detroit Tigers had not beaten the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park by the score of 1-0 since September 10, 1976. Since October, they’ve done it twice. In a thrilling opening of a three-game weekend series in Boston, the Tigers drew first blood–just as they did in Game 1 of the 2013 ALCS–taking the first game, 1-0.

With the victory, Detroit improved its road mark to 12-4, including nine straight wins away from Comerica Park. That’s the longest stretch for the franchise since they went 17-0 away from Tiger Stadium to start the 1984 season.

Detroit Tigers (25-12) at Boston Red Sox (20-21) — 7:10 PM EDT

Fenway Park — Boston, MA

TV: FSD, MLB Network

Radio: 97.1 The Ticket (click for radio affiliates)

Weather: 70 degrees, slight chance of showers

When We Last Met

Max Scherzer was brilliant until a rain delay sidelined him for nearly an hour (the 47-minute delay began while the Tigers were batting, so Scherzer had to sit longer than Boston starter Jon Lester). When he came back, he was less effective, but still stymied Boston batters. Torii Hunter‘s RBI in the first inning stood up and Detroit’s bullpen, aside from Evan Reed‘s shaky effort, was spotless in the 1-0 win Friday night.

Pitching Matchup

May 12, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Detroit Tigers starting

Rick Porcello

(21) throws in the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

Rick Porcello (6-1, 3.22) has quieted critics this year with his stellar play and has leapt over hurdles that have kept him hindered in the past. In the past, it was rare for Rick to have dominating starts back-to-back, but he has answered that bell and will be looking for his sixth consecutive victory tonight. This is another test for Porcello because the Red Sox battered him last year. In a Sept. 4 start at Fenway Park, he allowed nine runs (eight earned) including four homers in a 20-4 loss. He also appeared in relief in the bottom of the ninth of ALCS Game 2, and allowed the walk-off victory for Boston.

May 11, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher

John Lackey

(41) delivers a pitch to the Texas Rangers during the first inning of a baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

John Lackey (5-2, 3.57) is off to a good start for the Red Sox. He’s allowed seven runs over his last four starts (three wins and a no-decision), which marks a dramatic improvement when he allowed the same line score of six runs on 10 hits in back-to-back starts against the Yankees and Orioles in mid-April. Lackey was simply brilliant in his one start against the Tigers in the ALCS. He beat out Justin Verlander in a pitcher’s duel, spoiling the Tigers’ chances of holding on to home field advantage that they had taken from Boston by winning Game 1. Lackey was also fairly solid in the regular season against Detroit, posting a 3.14 ERA in two starts (a loss and a no-decision).

Tigers Lineup

Injuries

Tigers

Anibal Sanchez – Probable for Sunday
Luke Putkonen – 15-day DL
Joel Hanrahan – 15-day DL
Andy Dirks – 60-day DL
Jose Iglesias – 60-day DL
Bruce Rondon – Out for the season

Red Sox

Shane Victorino – Questionable
Steven Wright – Out indefinitely
Ryan Dempster – Out for the season

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