Detroit Tigers: Home stand continues against division-leading Twins

The previous two series for the Detroit Tigers started out promising but finished disappointing. 

After taking their first series win against Baltimore in almost over a month, the Detroit Tigers faced Atlanta and Tampa Bay. In the beginning, the Tigers were able to take the first game of both series. However, the games following after did not go according to plan, with Detroit losing the following two games each time.

The Tigers are looking to get back to winning form this weekend as the Minnesota Twins come to Comerica Park. Thus far, the Twins are leading the season series 4-2. Both series took place in Minneapolis, and this upcoming series is the first one to be played in Detroit.

The Twins currently have a commanding lead in the AL Central with a record of 41-20 which is enough for the 3rd best record in the MLB. Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers are on track for another high draft pick next year with their record of 23-36.

Despite the rough record, Detroit has gone 4-4 in their last eight games. They ended the month of May with a three-game winning-streak which tied their record on the year. The Twins just finished a series with the Cleveland Indians where they dropped two out of their three games in the match-up.

Detroit’s pitching staff could have a hard time with Minnesota’s shortstop Jorge Polanco this series. Polanco’s stat line consists of 10 home runs, 32 RBIs, and a batting average of .336. Polanco is also sustaining an eight-game streak where he has gotten at least one hit during the course of the game. Matthew Boyd and Ryan Carpenter need to be very selective when throwing to his bat.

Niko Goodrum and JaCoby Jones have been producing reliable results as well. In his last five games, Goodrum has been on fire as he totaled 12 hits in 23 plate appearances. Jones is also performing. The previous 30 days, Jones has been able to hit .303 adding five home runs and 13 RBIs. Jones has quickly become the hottest bat for the Tigers the past couple weeks. Tigers fans hope to see that continue for the upcoming games.

The series begins this Friday as Detroit pitcher Matthew Boyd faces off on the mound against Minnesota’s Kyle Gibson. First pitch for the series opener is set for 7:10 pm from Comerica Park.