Detroit Tigers: Four Things to Know vs Pittsburgh

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Apr 12, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers left fielder Justin Upton (8) receives congratulations from teammates after he hits a home run in the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

More Offense for Upton?

After a four-hit outburst that included a towering home run into the Comerica Park camera well, Justin Upton could continue his offensive dominance.

The outfielder has more at-bats than anyone against Pittsburgh’s starting pitcher, Ryan Vogelsong. Not only does have the most experience, but he also has the most success.

Upton has a scorching .321 batting average in 31 plate appearances versus the ex-Giant. In addition to the superb batting average, the slugger also had three RBI, three doubles, three walks and a triple.

In addition to hitting Vogelsong well, the outfielder has also found success against some of Pittsburgh’s relievers. He is 2-for-2 against both Lobstein and Melancon.

The way he’s been playing lately, you would think he’d continue his hot streak.

It’s extremely early in the season, but Upton is already proving his worth to the Tigers. In six games, he is third on the Detroit Tigers roster in terms of WAR with a 0.4 number. Ian Kinsler and Jordan Zimmermann are the current team leaders with identical 0.5 WAR numbers.

Next: Why the Detroit Tigers Will Win the World Series

In 52 career games against the Bucs, Upton is hitting .287 with 52 hits, 29 runs scored, 27 walks, 21 RBI, eight home runs, six doubles, six stolen bases and two triples.

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