Detroit Tigers at Pittsburgh Pirates Game 7 Preview, TV Coverage, Lineup

Detroit Tigers (6-0) at Pittsburgh Pirates (2-4) – 1:35 PM ET

PNC Park – Pittsburgh, PA

TV: FSD (Click for Channel Guide)

Radio: 97.1 The Ticket (click for affiliates)

Weather: 73 degree, partly cloudy

Game Preview

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The Detroit Tigers have started the season 6-0 for the first time since 1985 and for just the fourth time in the 115-year history of the franchise.

When We Last Met

The Tigers and Pirates met four a home-and-away four-game series last August. The two clubs split the series with the Tigers winning the two games at Comerica Park, and the Pirates capturing the two games at PNC Park.

David Price was on the Detroit roster, having just been acquired from Tampa Bay a week and a half earlier, but he was the only Tigers starter not used in the series. Ironically, Pittsburgh will avoid Price once again in this series.

Pitching Matchup

Detroit will start right-hander Anibal Sanchez for the Pirates home opener on Monday. Sanchez had an ok spring, but pitched very well in his first start last week, throwing 6 2/3 shutout innings. He allowed just three hits, struck out six and walked two in the outing.

Pittsburgh’s young, power-arm Gerrit Cole will be on the hill for the Pirates. Clint Hurdle planned out his pitching rotation in order to reward the 24-year-old this start in front of the home crowd on Opening Day. Francisco Lirano may be the ace of the staff, but Cole is a former No. 1 overall pick and an ace in the making.

Cole was just alright in his first start against the Reds last week, allowing three runs in five innings. He went 11-5 with a 3.65 ERA in 22 starts last season.

Tigers Lineup

As expected, no Victor Martinez today but he will be available as a pinch-hitter in the NL park.

1. Anthony Gose-CF
2. Ian Kinsler-2B
3. Miguel Cabrera-1B
4. J.D. Martinez-RF
5. Yoenis Cespedes-LF
6. Nick Castellanos-3B
7. Alex Avila-C
8. Jose Iglesias-SS
9. Anibal Sanchez-P

Pirates Lineup

After off days for Andrew McCutchen and Gregory Polanco on Saturday and off days for Josh Harrison and Francisco Cervelli on Sunday, the Pirates are using their normal lineup for their home opener.

1. Josh Harrison 3B

2. Gregory Polanco RF

3. Andrew McCutchen CF

4. Neil Walker 2B

5. Starling Marte LF

6. Pedro Alvarez 1B

7. Francisco Cervelli C

8. Jordy Mercer SS

9. Gerrit Cole P

Injuries

Tigers

• Bruce Rondon — 15-day DL
• Justin Verlander — 15-day DL
• Joe Nathan – 15-day DL

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