Detroit Tigers: Tigers Prepare for Inter-League Match-Up Against Nationals

After losing seven in a row, the Detroit Tigers are still searching for any type of solace heading into a three-game series against the Nationals this weekend. 

Currently, the Detroit Tigers are 26-50 and in the middle of yet another tough losing streak. Detroit’s last series against Texas ended on the wrong side of a sweep, which granted them the title of the worst team in the AL Central. The Washington Nationals have been competitive in the NL this season. Washington’s 40-40 record puts them 3rd in the NL East. However, they are only 2.5 games back in the Wild Card hunt.

As seen throughout the season, Detroit’s offensive has been lacking. In their last 45 innings, the Tigers have only been able to send eight batters to home plate. Not only has this been a problem in June, but Detroit has also sent the least amount of runners home in the entirety of the MLB this year. Detroit has scored 264 times in their 76-game 2019 campaign and also has the worst hit total this season as well with 586.

Altogether, June has been a complete disaster for the Detroit Tigers as they have only been able to win four games. Even when Detroit’s pitching does a stable job, the Tigers can’t seem to find the hits to give them the win. During the last series, Detroit held Texas to five runs or less in each of the three games. Even though this number isn’t the most impressive, the Tigers opponent’s scoring average is 5.41 this season.

Keeping the opponent under five runs is a good day for the Tigers’ pitching staff. However, Detroit wasn’t even able to score more than three runs in each of those contests, which handed them another three straight losses.

Washington doesn’t really have to sweat going into this series. Not only has Detroit has been swept in their last two series, but Washington is gaining momentum coming off of the series sweep against Miami. Washington should be able to successful with their impressive starting pitching core heading into the series.

Washington will start the series with Anibal Sanchez on the mound. In the last six games, Sanchez has started for the Nationals, they have come out victorious five. Following that game, Austin Voth, who had a solid outing his previous game against Atlanta, will get the starting nod. Then finally, Max Scherzer ends the series. Scherzer has been on an absolute tear this year with an ERA of 2.52.

This will be the first time and only time these two teams will meet this season. The first pitch is set for 7:10 p.m. on Friday at Comerica Park.