Detroit Tigers at Kansas City Royals: Game 154 Preview, Lineup and TV/Radio Coverage

Sep 5, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher M. Scherzer (37) watches from the dugout in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Tigers (85-68) at  Kansas City Royals(83-69) — 1:10 p.m. ET

Kauffman Stadium — Kansas City, MO

TV: FOX

Radio: 97.1 The Ticket (click for affiliates)

Weather: 84 degrees, Clear

Game Note: Alex Avila is once again missing from the lineup.

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When We Last Met

The Detroit Tigers, and struggling ace Justin Verlander, made a statement with last night’s game and hopefully set the theme for their final series against the Royals in Kansas City. The bats were hot from the first inning on, and while Verlander did pitch himself into a few jams, but was able to work through them with what appeared to be his laser-like playoff focus. Second baseman Ian Kinsler, who has struggled mightily at the plate in the second half, was a triple short of hitting for the cycle last night, and was the highlight of a phenomenal offensive performance.

Starting Pitching

Max Scherzer(16-5, 3.26 ERA) was not the pitcher of record in his last start against the Minnesota Twins. Scherzer pitched seven innings, and gave up four runs on seven hits and a walk, after being given a 6-0 lead by his offense. The bullpen finished the collapse that started with Scherzer, and the Tigers lost a heart-breaker. Scherzer has been solid in his career against Kansas City with a record of 10-5 with a 3.74 ERA in 118 innings pitched.

James Shields(14-7, 3.15 ERA) was lights out in his last start against Detroit, picking up the win after pitching seven innings, giving up two hits and no runs. He is 7-5 with a 4.11 ERA in 118.1 innings pitched in his career against the Detroit Tigers.

Tigers’ Lineup

1. Ian Kinsler-2B
2. Torii Hunter-RF
3. Miguel Cabrera-1B
4. Victor Martinez-DH
5. J.D. Martinez-LF
6. Nick Castellanos-3B
7. Eugenio Suarez-SS
8. Bryan Holaday-C
9. Rajai Davis – CF

Injuries

Deroit Tigers

• Alex Avila – Day to day
• Anibal Sanchez – 15-day DL
• Luke Putkonen – Out indefinitely
• Andy Dirks – Out indefinitely
• Joel Hanrahan – 60-day DL
• Jose Iglesias – Out for season
• Bruce Rondon – Out for season