GDT13: 4/16/13 - DET (7-5) AT SEA (6-8) - 10:10 p.m. ET

Tigers: RHP Doug Fister (2-0, 2.77 ERA)

After a miserable Spring Training and a short start to open his season, Fister is finally looking like his normal self. He tossed eight innings of one-run ball with five strikeouts against the Blue Jays on Thursday in Detroit.



Mariners: RHP Aaron Harang (0-0, -.-- ERA)

The veteran right-hander makes his Mariners debut after being acquired from the Rockies on Thursday in a trade. Harang hasn't pitched since the last week of Spring Training with the Dodgers, who dealt him to Colorado last week.






Mariners, Tigers to honor Jackie in series opener
Fister starts against former team as Harang makes Seattle debut

By Gary Cotton / MLB.com | 4/14/2013 2:44 PM ET

After the Tigers rest on Monday's off-day, Doug Fister will face off against his former team, the Mariners, on Tuesday in his third start of the season. That's OK with the right-hander, who said he doesn't have any hang ups about facing the team that drafted him back 2006.

"I focus on what I do, making pitches down the zone. It doesn't matter who I'm facing," Fister said. "It's kind of a selfish attitude. But I do what I do, and I don't do too much with scouting reports."

Tuesday's game will celebrate Jackie Robinson Day, which took place on Monday, which both teams had off. In 1997, under the direction of Commissioner Bud Selig, Robinson's No. 42 was retired across all of Major League Baseball in an unprecedented tribute.

Fister was brilliant in his first career matchup with the Mariners last May. The 29-year-old tossed seven scoreless innings with just four hits before a blown save cost him and his club the win. Fister delivered another dominant performance last Thursday when he allowed just one run through eight innings against the Blue Jays.

The Mariners will answer with Aaron Harang, who will make his debut with the club after being acquired from the Rockies last week. The 11-year veteran will suit up for his 300th career game Tuesday, but he said his routine will be the same as he searches for win No. 106.

"I have to go out and do what I do," Harang said. "You try to do too much, you press and start making bad pitches. I need to stick to what my normal game plan is, same routine and go out and execute, making pitches when I need to."

The veteran right-hander hasn't pitched since his last week of Spring Training with the Dodgers, and he will have to shake off a slow spring. Harang was 1-2 in Cactus League play with a 8.20 ERA.

Harang struck out the most Tigers batters of his career in his last start in 2006, fanning nine through seven scoreless innings before allowing the game-winning run. That loss remains Harang's only decision in 16 innings pitched against Detrioit.

Mariners: Harang back in the AL
Harang has played for four different teams over his career, but hasn't played for an American League team since suiting up for Oakland in 2003. Harang notes a lot of the players he's faced are gone now, and he'll have to trust his teammates to bring him up to speed.

"I have to trust my catcher to know these players," Harang said. "It's going be some adjustments on everybody's part. I think the biggest thing is for me and the catcher to be on the same page early.

"I'll sit down on Tuesday, see who my catcher is and we'll talk and go over our strategy. I'll break down what I'm trying to do. We make our adjustments off each other as game goes on."

Tigers: Prince-ly production
First baseman Prince Fielder has had a torrid start to his second season in the AL. Fielder had a league-leading .436 average through 11 games and is leading his club with four homers.

"I don't think it's any stretch of the imagination that he has a good chance of being an MVP in this league," teammate Justin Verlander said.

Worth noting
• Harang is nearing a .500 record going into Monday's game. The starter is 105-104.

Gary Cotton is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.






INJURY UPDATE:

• RF Avisail Garcia (Right heel contusion, 15-day DL retroactive to March 22, 2013).






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• WED, April 17:
TIGERS: (RHP Max Scherzer (1-0, 4.91 ERA)) AT
MARINERS: (RHP Felix Hernandez (1-2, 3.05 ERA))
10:10 p.m. ET (FS-D / AM 1270 & 97.1 FM)


• THU, April 18:
TIGERS: (RHP Justin Verlander (2-1, 1.96 ERA)) AT
MARINERS: (RHP Hisashi Iwakuma (2-0, 2.18 ERA))
3:40 p.m. ET (FS-D / AM 1270 & 97.1 FM)

STARTING LINEUPS:

TIGERS

Austin Jackson, CF
Torii Hunter, RF (2-for-8, walk, K’s vs. Harang)
Miguel Cabrera, 3B (2-for-15, HR, 2 K’s vs. Harang)
Prince Fielder, 1B (14-for-44, 3 HR, 2 walks, 8 K’s vs. Harang)
Victor Martinez, DH (3-for-17, HR, walk, 3 K’s vs. Harang)
Jhonny Peralta, SS (7-for-23, 2 HR, 3 RBIs, walk, 6 K’s vs. Harang)
Alex Avila, C
Omar Infante, 2B (0-for-6 vs. Harang)
Don Kelly, LF (0-for-3, walk vs. Harang)

P: Doug Fister


MARINERS

Franklin Gutierrez, CF (2 HRs in last 3 games)
Kyle Seager, 3B (0-for-3, K against Fister)
Kendrys Morales, DH (2-for-9, HR against Fister)
Michael Morse, RF (0-for-3 against Fister)
Raul Ibanez, LF (3-for-5, 2 doubles, triple, walk against Fister)
Justin Smoak, 1B (1-for-6 against Fister)
Kelly Shoppach, C (0-for-4, 2 K’s against Fister)
Dustin Ackley, 2B (1-for-3 against Fister)
Brendan Ryan, SS (0-for-3 against Fister)

P: Aaron Harang

DET - Top 1st
B:3 S:2 O:0
Austin Jackson triples (1) on a line drive to right fielder Michael Morse.

B:0 S:3 O:1
Torii Hunter strikes out swinging.

B:0 S:2 O:1
Miguel Cabrera singles on a ground ball to left fielder Raul Ibanez. Austin Jackson scores.
1 - 0

B:2 S:3 O:2
Prince Fielder called out on strikes.

B:3 S:2 O:3
Victor Martinez flies out to left fielder Raul Ibanez.


SEA - Bot 1st
B:2 S:1 O:1
Franklin Gutierrez grounds out softly, shortstop Jhonny Peralta to first baseman Prince Fielder.

B:2 S:1 O:2
Kyle Seager grounds out, second baseman Omar Infante to first baseman Prince Fielder.

B:2 S:3 O:3
Kendrys Morales called out on strikes.

1 - 0 AFTER 1 INNING

DET - Top 2nd
B:2 S:2 O:0
Jhonny Peralta singles on a ground ball to right fielder Michael Morse.

B:1 S:3 O:1
Alex Avila strikes out swinging.

B:0 S:1 O:2
Omar Infante pops out to first baseman Justin Smoak in foul territory.

B:2 S:3 O:3
Don Kelly strikes out swinging.


SEA - Bot 2nd
B:1 S:0 O:1
Michael Morse grounds out, third baseman Miguel Cabrera to first baseman Prince Fielder.

B:2 S:3 O:2
Raul Ibanez strikes out swinging.

B:1 S:3 O:3
Justin Smoak called out on strikes.

1 - 0 AFTER 2 INNINGS

DET - Top 3rd
B:1 S:2 O:1
Austin Jackson lines out to right fielder Michael Morse.

B:1 S:2 O:1
Torii Hunter singles on a line drive to right fielder Michael Morse.

B:0 S:1 O:2
Miguel Cabrera flies out to right fielder Michael Morse.

B:0 S:1 O:3
Prince Fielder flies out to center fielder Franklin Gutierrez.


SEA - Bot 3rd
B:2 S:1 O:1
Kelly Shoppach grounds out, shortstop Jhonny Peralta to first baseman Prince Fielder.

B:2 S:1 O:2
Dustin Ackley lines out softly to shortstop Jhonny Peralta.

B:1 S:2 O:3
Brendan Ryan grounds out, shortstop Jhonny Peralta to first baseman Prince Fielder.

1 - 0 AFTER 3 INNINGS

DET - Top 4th
B:3 S:2 O:0
Victor Martinez doubles (1) on a line drive to center fielder Franklin Gutierrez.

B:0 S:3 O:1
Jhonny Peralta strikes out swinging.

B:1 S:2 O:2
Alex Avila grounds out, second baseman Dustin Ackley to first baseman Justin Smoak. Victor Martinez to 3rd.

B:1 S:0 O:3
Omar Infante grounds out, third baseman Kyle Seager to first baseman Justin Smoak.


SEA - Bot 4th
B:3 S:2 O:1
Franklin Gutierrez pops out to second baseman Omar Infante.

B:1 S:2 O:1
Kyle Seager doubles (7) on a line drive to center fielder Austin Jackson.

B:0 S:2 O:1
Kendrys Morales doubles (4) on a fly ball to center fielder Austin Jackson. Kyle Seager scores.
TIED 1 - 1

B:1 S:2 O:1
Michael Morse singles on a line drive to center fielder Austin Jackson. Kendrys Morales scores.
SEA 2 - 1

B:1 S:0 O:2
Raul Ibanez pops out to shortstop Jhonny Peralta.

B:4 S:2 O:2
Justin Smoak walks. Michael Morse to 2nd.

Coaching visit to mound.

B:1 S:2 O:3
Kelly Shoppach grounds out, shortstop Jhonny Peralta to first baseman Prince Fielder.

SEA 2 - 1 AFTER 4 INNINGS

DET - Top 5th
B:0 S:2 O:1
Don Kelly pops out to shortstop Brendan Ryan.

B:1 S:2 O:2
Austin Jackson flies out to center fielder Franklin Gutierrez.

B:1 S:1 O:2
Torii Hunter singles on a ground ball to center fielder Franklin Gutierrez.

B:2 S:2 O:2
Miguel Cabrera homers (2) on a fly ball to center field. Torii Hunter scores.
3 - 2

B:3 S:3 O:3
Prince Fielder called out on strikes.


SEA - Bot 5th
B:1 S:3 O:1
Dustin Ackley strikes out swinging, catcher Alex Avila to first baseman Prince Fielder.

B:1 S:2 O:2
Brendan Ryan grounds out, pitcher Doug Fister to first baseman Prince Fielder.

B:2 S:0 O:3
Franklin Gutierrez grounds out, shortstop Jhonny Peralta to first baseman Prince Fielder.

3 - 2 AFTER 5 INNINGS

DET - Top 6th
Pitching Change: Charlie Furbush replaces Aaron Harang.

B:1 S:2 O:0
Victor Martinez singles on a line drive to right fielder Michael Morse.

B:3 S:3 O:1
Jhonny Peralta strikes out swinging.

B:0 S:3 O:2
Alex Avila strikes out swinging.

B:0 S:0 O:3
Omar Infante grounds into a force out, third baseman Kyle Seager to second baseman Dustin Ackley. Victor Martinez out at 2nd.


SEA - Bot 6th
B:3 S:2 O:1
Kyle Seager grounds out, second baseman Omar Infante to first baseman Prince Fielder.

B:1 S:2 O:2
Kendrys Morales grounds out, first baseman Prince Fielder to pitcher Doug Fister.

B:0 S:1 O:3
Michael Morse flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson.

3 - 2 AFTER 6 INNINGS

DET - Top 7th
B:3 S:3 O:1
Don Kelly strikes out swinging.

Coaching visit to mound.

Pitching Change: Blake Beavan replaces Charlie Furbush.

B:1 S:1 O:1
Austin Jackson singles on a ground ball to left fielder Raul Ibanez.

B:2 S:3 O:2
Torii Hunter strikes out swinging. Austin Jackson steals (2) 2nd base.

B:0 S:1 O:2
Miguel Cabrera singles on a ground ball to left fielder Raul Ibanez. Austin Jackson scores.
4 - 2

Coaching visit to mound.

Pitching Change: Bobby LaFromboise replaces Blake Beavan.

B:2 S:3 O:3
Prince Fielder strikes out swinging.


SEA - Bot 7th
B:1 S:2 O:1
Raul Ibanez pops out to third baseman Miguel Cabrera in foul territory.

B:0 S:0 O:1
Justin Smoak singles on a ground ball to center fielder Austin Jackson.

B:1 S:3 O:2
Kelly Shoppach strikes out swinging.

B:0 S:1 O:3
Dustin Ackley grounds out, second baseman Omar Infante to first baseman Prince Fielder.

4 - 2 AFTER 7 INNINGS

DET - Top 8th
B:2 S:0 O:0
Victor Martinez singles on a line drive to right fielder Michael Morse.

B:0 S:2 O:0
Jhonny Peralta doubles (3) on a line drive to left fielder Raul Ibanez. Victor Martinez to 3rd.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Andy Dirks replaces Victor Martinez.

B:0 S:3 O:1
Alex Avila strikes out swinging.

B:4 S:0 O:1
Bobby LaFromboise intentionally walks Omar Infante.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Matt Tuiasosopo replaces Don Kelly.

B:0 S:3 O:2
Matt Tuiasosopo strikes out swinging.

B:4 S:2 O:2
Austin Jackson walks. Andy Dirks scores. Jhonny Peralta to 3rd. Omar Infante to 2nd.
5 - 2

Coaching visit to mound.

Pitching Change: Yoervis Medina replaces Bobby LaFromboise.

B:4 S:0 O:2
Torii Hunter walks. Jhonny Peralta scores. Omar Infante to 3rd. Austin Jackson to 2nd.
6 - 2

B:3 S:3 O:3
Miguel Cabrera called out on strikes.


SEA - Bot 8th
Andy Dirks remains in the game as the designated hitter.

Matt Tuiasosopo remains in the game as the left fielder.

Pitching Change: Al Alburquerque replaces Doug Fister.

B:2 S:3 O:1
Brendan Ryan called out on strikes.

B:1 S:2 O:2
Franklin Gutierrez grounds out, third baseman Miguel Cabrera to first baseman Prince Fielder.

B:2 S:3 O:3
Kyle Seager strikes out swinging.

6 - 2 AFTER 8 INNINGS

DET - Top 9th
B:2 S:3 O:1
Prince Fielder strikes out swinging.

B:4 S:2 O:1
Andy Dirks walks.

B:3 S:3 O:2
Jhonny Peralta strikes out swinging. Andy Dirks steals (2) 2nd base.

On-field Delay.

B:0 S:0 O:3
Alex Avila grounds out, second baseman Dustin Ackley to first baseman Justin Smoak.


SEA - Bot 9th
Pitching Change: Joaquin Benoit replaces Al Alburquerque.

B:1 S:1 O:1
Kendrys Morales flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson.

B:0 S:3 O:2
Michael Morse strikes out swinging.

B:2 S:3 O:3
Raul Ibanez strikes out swinging.


TIGERS WIN 6-2

CLICK HERE FOR BOX SCORE


W: Fister
L: Harang


Game Info

IBB: Infante (by LaFromboise).
Pitches-strikes: Fister 107-71, Alburquerque 15-10, Benoit 11-8, Harang 95-68, Furbush 21-14, Beavan 12-9, LaFromboise 32-20, Medina, Y 32-16.
Groundouts-flyouts: Fister 11-1, Alburquerque 1-0, Benoit 0-1, Harang 2-4, Furbush 1-0, Beavan 0-0, LaFromboise 0-0, Medina, Y 1-0.
Batters faced: Fister 26, Alburquerque 3, Benoit 3, Harang 22, Furbush 5, Beavan 3, LaFromboise 7, Medina, Y 6.
Inherited runners-scored: LaFromboise 1-0, Medina, Y 3-1.
Umpires: HP: John Hirschbeck. 1B: Bob Davidson. 2B: Jim Reynolds. 3B: James Hoye.
Weather: 48 degrees, cloudy.
Wind: 12 mph, In from RF.
T: 3:11.
Att: 12,379.

Game 13: Tigers thrive with two strikes … sort of
BECK'S BLOG
Posted on April 17, 2013 at 4:28 am

Only five times since 1916 have the Tigers won a game striking out more times than they did Tuesday night in Seattle, where the Mariners fanned them 16 times. From baseball-reference:

(CLICK HERE TO VIEW CHART)

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Play Index Tool Used
Generated 4/17/2013.

And yet, the Tigers pretty much beat the Mariners on two-strike damage. Austin Jackson battled out of an 0-2 count to lead off the game with a triple on a full count pitch from Aaron Harang. Miguel Cabrera drove him in with a single on an 0-2 pitch. Four innings later, Cabrera put the Tigers back in front by taking a 2-2 pitch several inches off the plate and sending it out to right-center field.

Then in the eighth, Jackson worked out of another 0-2 hole, fouling off three consecutive pitches before shrugging off four straight pitches out of the zone for a bases-loaded walk that arguably put the game out of reach, or at least turned a close game into a game the Tigers commanded.

Jackson was a .135 (19-for-141) hitter after an 0-2 count in 2011. He’s now 4-for-11 with a walk in those same situations.

Jhonny Peralta reached two-strike counts in all five of his plate appearances. He struck out three times, and singled and doubled in the other two.

All that two-strike hitting had an impact beyond the hits and baserunners it produced.

“A lot of times, it wears the pitcher out,” Jim Leyland said. “If he’s making a pretty nasty pitch and hitting it pretty good somewhere or fouling a pitch off to extend the at-bat, that takes its toll on pitchers after a point. I thought Harang was very good. I was impressed.”

The Tigers have a commanding lead in baseball with a .307 batting average, more than 20 points higher than the next-best club. With two strikes, that gap is even bigger. Detroit is batting .274 (68-for-248) with 16 extra-base hits. The next-best two-strike average in the Major Leagues is Minnesota’s .226 clip. They still have just 82 strikeouts, a pretty low total considering.

Moreover, no team has as many hits (12) off of 0-2 pitches.

Play of the game: Watch the replay closely on Miguel Cabrera’s go-ahead two-run homer, and read the reaction, and you can sense the exasperation. He took a pitch well off the plate and sent it out to right-center field, a tough place to hit a ball in a ballpark where it has historically been tough to hit many balls out.

“He did a great job hitting that pitch,” Harang said. “We went back and looked at it and it was four or five inches off the plate. It should have been a ball. So it proves why he’s as good as he is and the fact of … him winning MVP last year.”

Biggest out: By retiring Kelly Shoppach to end the top of the fourth inning, Fister stopped a Mariners rally before it could get out of control. He also got the Tigers offense back onto the field.

Strategy: Remember when not even Prince Fielder was a good enough hitter to keep opponents from walking Miguel Cabrera? He might be now, because after Austin Jackson’s steal of second base on Torii Hunter’s strikeout opened up first base with two outs and Cabrera up, the M’s pitched to Cabrera. He made them pay with an RBI single.

Line of the day: Cabrera went 3-for-5 with four RBIs and a run scored.

Print it: “Verlander told me it was a good pitch, but I tell him I like that pitch, because it’s down and away. If it’s down and inside, that’s a good pitch for me, but down and away, that’s where I like it to be. I can extend my arms. I’ve got more extension to the ball right there.” — Cabrera on the Aaron Harang pitch outside that he hit out.