GDT74: 6/23/13 - DET (41-32) VS BOS (45-32) - 1:08 p.m. ET

Tigers: RHP Justin Verlander (8-5, 3.72 ERA)

After four consecutive starts lasting seven innings each, Verlander allowed five earned runs in five innings against the Orioles Tuesday. Last year, he allowed eight earned runs in his last two starts versus the Red Sox.



Red Sox: LHP Felix Doubront (4-3, 4.38 ERA)

The lefty is coming off the best start of his career, as he fired eight shutout innings while allowing three hits against the Rays. Doubront was pulled after 93 pitches and a 1-0 lead.






Verlander looking to regain form vs. Red Sox
Detroit righty will be matched up with Doubront in series finale

By Michael Periatt / MLB.com | 6/22/2013 10:44 PM ET

By most standards, Justin Verlander's 2013 campaign has been fairly productive.

At 8-5 with a 3.72 ERA, the Detroit ace has been effective. But the baseball world has come to expect dominance from the former Cy Young Award winner and, for the most part, he's fallen short of the lofty expectations.

Verlander, who will start against the Red Sox in the series finale Sunday, showed signs of returning to his former self when he went for seven innings and three runs or fewer in three straight starts to begin the month of June. However, his last start, a five-inning performance in which he gave up five runs, was a reminder of the struggles Verlander went through in May, when he posted a 6.41 ERA in five starts.

"Obviously, you have that stretch of three or four starts where it was pretty frustrating," Verlander said. "You know, I guess I'm always trying to get better, and I feel like I've made adjustments to get to that point. I feel like I've been getting better, better, and better. That's not necessarily going to work toward a perfect game, but you're not going to get better every time.

He added, "It's been a battle so far."

When Verlander takes the mound Sunday, he'll have a chance to seal a series win over the Red Sox, who command the American League's best record at 45-32. The Tigers topped Boston on Saturday night, 10-3, and have won two of three in the series thus far.

To try to salvage a series split, the Red Sox will hand the ball to Felix Doubront, who is coming off the best outing of his career.

Against the Rays on Tuesday, he needed just 93 pitches to throw eight shutout innings. Though his bid for the win was thwarted when Andrew Bailey blew the save in the ninth inning, it was the first time in Doubront's career he lasted beyond the seventh inning.

"This game gives me more confidence," said Doubront after the start. "I needed this. I needed this to get more confident, trust more in my pitches. I'll go the next game and try to do the same and stay on one page, this page. And stay like that. I'm going to get better results and win games and help the team to win."

The performance was the lefty's fifth quality start in his last six outings, dating back to May 21.

Red Sox: Buchholz's return pushed back again
After being scratched from another scheduled start, Clay Buchholz will likely have to complete a Minor League rehab assignment before returning to the Red Sox.

Boston's undefeated ace was scheduled to throw a bullpen session Saturday, but was limited to flat-ground work due to continued neck soreness. The setback means Buchholz won't be able to start Tuesday as was previously hoped.

"Obviously, right now, he's not going to start Tuesday, so basically what we're doing is going as tolerated with throwing," said Red Sox manager John Farrell. "It's likely that at some point we're probably going to have to get him out on a rehab assignment, at least one start for now, but there's no time frame for that. We've got to get him on the mound first and build from there."

Buchholz injured his neck when making an awkward throw to first base June 8 against the Angels. He also missed a start in late May when he injured his AC joint, which is located near the shoulder.

Buchholz is 9-0 with a 1.71 ERA this season.

Tigers: Avila to start rehab assignment Sunday
Alex Avila feels well enough to return to the Tigers, but he'll first have to complete a rehab assignment in Triple-A Toledo.

The catcher was hit by a pitch on his left forearm last week and was placed on the 15-day disabled list Monday. The earliest he can return to the Tigers is July 2.

"Swelling is down," Avila said. "A couple of days ago was the first time the swelling went down to where I was actually able to swing the bat a little bit and stuff. Each day it has gotten better and better, and today I feel as good as new."

Worth noting
• Boston is 31-21 (.596) when the opposing starter is right-handed.

• The Tigers have won 58 of the last 82 games at Comerica Park since July 4, 2012. They lead the Major Leagues in wins and with a .707 winning percentage at home during that stretch.

Michael Periatt is an associate reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @Michael Periatt. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.






INJURY UPDATE:


• RHP Octavio Dotel (Right elbow inflammation, transferred from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list on June 8, 2013.)

• RHP Anibal Sanchez (Right shoulder stiffness, placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to June 16, 2013.)

• C Alex Avila (Left forearm injury, placed on the 15-day disabled list June 17, 2013.)

• LF Matt Tuiasosopo (Left strained intercostal, placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to June 20, 2013.)







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• MON, Jun 24:
OFF DAY


• TUE, Jun 25:
TIGERS: (RHP Rick Porcello (4-4, 4.74 ERA)) VS
ANGELS: (?HP TBA (TBA ERA))
7:08  p.m. ET (FS-D / FM 97.1)


• WED, Jun 26:
TIGERS: (LHP Jose Alvarez (1-0, 2.45 ERA)) VS
ANGELS: (?HP TBA (TBA ERA))
7:08  p.m. ET (FS-D / FM 97.1)


• THU, Jun 27:
TIGERS: (RHP Doug Fister (6-5, 3.66 ERA)) VS
ANGELS: (?HP TBA (TBA ERA))
1:08  p.m. ET (FS-D, MLBN / FM 97.1)

STARTING LINEUPS:

TIGERS (career numbers off Doubront)

   Austin Jackson, CF
   Torii Hunter, RF (1-for-1)
   Miguel Cabrera, 3B (0-for-3, 2 K’s)
   Prince Fielder, DH (0-for-3)
   Victor Martinez, 1B
   Jhonny Peralta, SS (0-for-1, walk, K)
   Omar Infante, 2B (2-for-6, K)
   Avisail Garcia, LF
   Bryan Holaday, C

P: Justin Verlander


RED SOX (career numbers off Verlander)

   Jacoby Ellsbury, CF (4-for-20, 2 walks, K)
   Shane Victorino, RF (0-for-3, 2 K’s)
   Dustin Pedroia, 2B (0-for-16, 3 K’s)
   David Ortiz, DH (8-for-24, 2 HR, 3 walks, 7 K’s)
   Mike Napoli, 1B (6-for-20, HR, 5 walks, 5 K’s)
   Jonny Gomes, LF (0-for-6, 3 walks, 2 K’s)
   Stephen Drew, SS (2-for-13, 9 K’s)
   Ryan Lavarnway, C
   Jose Iglesias, 3B

P: Felix Doubront

BOS - Top 1st
B:0 S:0 O:1
Jacoby Ellsbury grounds out to first baseman Victor Martinez.

B:1 S:2 O:2
Shane Victorino flies out to left fielder Avisail Garcia.

B:4 S:2 O:2
Dustin Pedroia walks.

B:1 S:3 O:3
David Ortiz strikes out on a foul tip.


DET - Bot 1st
B:4 S:2 O:0
Austin Jackson walks.

B:4 S:2 O:0
Torii Hunter walks. Austin Jackson to 2nd.

B:3 S:1 O:0
Miguel Cabrera hits a ground-rule double (18) on a fly ball to center field. Austin Jackson scores. Torii Hunter to 3rd.
DET 1 - 0

B:2 S:0 O:1
Prince Fielder grounds out to first baseman Mike Napoli. Torii Hunter scores. Miguel Cabrera to 3rd.
DET 2 - 0

B:1 S:2 O:2
Victor Martinez grounds out, third baseman Jose Iglesias to first baseman Mike Napoli.

B:1 S:0 O:3
Jhonny Peralta flies out to center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury.

DET 2 - 0 AFTER 1 INNING

BOS - Top 2nd
B:2 S:2 O:0
Mike Napoli singles on a soft fly ball to left fielder Avisail Garcia.

B:1 S:0 O:1
Jonny Gomes flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson.

B:4 S:2 O:1
Stephen Drew walks. Mike Napoli to 2nd.

B:1 S:2 O:1
Ryan Lavarnway singles on a ground ball to center fielder Austin Jackson. Mike Napoli scores. Stephen Drew to 2nd.
DET 2 - 1


B:1 S:2 O:1
Jose Iglesias hit by pitch. Stephen Drew to 3rd. Ryan Lavarnway to 2nd.

B:2 S:1 O:2
Jacoby Ellsbury out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Austin Jackson. Stephen Drew scores.
TIED 2 - 2

B:0 S:0 O:3
Shane Victorino grounds out, second baseman Omar Infante to first baseman Victor Martinez.


DET - Bot 2nd
B:3 S:2 O:0
Omar Infante singles on a line drive to center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury.

B:3 S:2 O:1
Avisail Garcia flies out to right fielder Shane Victorino.

With Bryan Holaday batting, Omar Infante picked off and caught stealing 2nd base, pitcher Felix Doubront to first baseman Mike Napoli to second baseman Dustin Pedroia.

B:1 S:2 O:2
Bryan Holaday singles on a soft line drive to center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury.

B:3 S:1 O:2
Austin Jackson doubles (8) on a line drive to center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury. Bryan Holaday to 3rd.

With Torii Hunter batting, passed ball by Ryan Lavarnway, Bryan Holaday scores. Austin Jackson to 3rd.
DET 3 - 2

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

DET 3 - 2 AFTER 2 INNINGS

BOS - Top 3rd
B:3 S:2 O:0
Dustin Pedroia singles on a ground ball to shortstop Jhonny Peralta.

B:2 S:1 O:0
David Ortiz singles on a sharp ground ball to right fielder Torii Hunter. Dustin Pedroia to 3rd.

B:3 S:2 O:1
Mike Napoli grounds into a force out, second baseman Omar Infante to shortstop Jhonny Peralta. Dustin Pedroia scores. David Ortiz out at 2nd. Mike Napoli to 1st.
TIED 3 - 3


B:1 S:3 O:2
Jonny Gomes strikes out swinging.

B:0 S:3 O:3
Stephen Drew strikes out on a foul tip.


DET - Bot 3rd
B:1 S:0 O:1
Miguel Cabrera flies out to center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury.

B:0 S:0 O:2
Prince Fielder grounds out, second baseman Dustin Pedroia to first baseman Mike Napoli.

B:2 S:2 O:3
Victor Martinez grounds out, shortstop Stephen Drew to first baseman Mike Napoli.

TIED 3 - 3 AFTER 3 INNINGS

BOS - Top 4th
B:4 S:1 O:0
Ryan Lavarnway walks.


B:0 S:0 O:1
Jose Iglesias flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson.

B:3 S:2 O:1
Jacoby Ellsbury doubles (17) on a fly ball to right fielder Torii Hunter. Ryan Lavarnway to 3rd.

B:1 S:1 O:2
Shane Victorino grounds out softly, shortstop Jhonny Peralta to first baseman Victor Martinez. Ryan Lavarnway scores. Jacoby Ellsbury to 3rd.
BOS 4 - 3

B:0 S:0 O:3
Dustin Pedroia lines out to right fielder Torii Hunter.


DET - Bot 4th
B:0 S:0 O:1
Jhonny Peralta flies out to right fielder Shane Victorino.

B:4 S:0 O:1
Omar Infante walks.

B:0 S:0 O:1
Avisail Garcia reaches on a force attempt, fielding error by shortstop Stephen Drew. Omar Infante to 2nd.

B:0 S:0 O:2
Bryan Holaday flies out to right fielder Shane Victorino.

B:4 S:2 O:2
Austin Jackson walks. Omar Infante to 3rd. Avisail Garcia to 2nd.

B:1 S:2 O:3
Torii Hunter flies out to right fielder Shane Victorino in foul territory.

BOS 4 - 3 AFTER 4 INNINGS

BOS - Top 5th
B:3 S:1 O:0
David Ortiz singles on a line drive to right fielder Torii Hunter.

B:1 S:1 O:1
Mike Napoli lines out to right fielder Torii Hunter.

B:2 S:1 O:2
Jonny Gomes flies out to right fielder Torii Hunter.

B:0 S:0 O:2
Stephen Drew singles on a line drive to center fielder Austin Jackson. David Ortiz to 2nd.

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


DET - Bot 5th
B:2 S:2 O:1
Miguel Cabrera pops out to second baseman Dustin Pedroia.

B:1 S:3 O:2
Prince Fielder strikes out swinging.

B:3 S:2 O:3
Victor Martinez grounds out, third baseman Jose Iglesias to first baseman Mike Napoli.

BOS 4 - 3 AFTER 5 INNINGS

BOS - Top 6th
Pitching Change: Drew Smyly replaces Justin Verlander.

B:0 S:1 O:1
Jose Iglesias grounds out, third baseman Miguel Cabrera to first baseman Victor Martinez.

B:0 S:1 O:2
Jacoby Ellsbury grounds out, first baseman Victor Martinez to pitcher Drew Smyly.

B:3 S:2 O:3
Shane Victorino grounds out softly, shortstop Jhonny Peralta to first baseman Victor Martinez.


DET - Bot 6th
Pitching Change: Junichi Tazawa replaces Felix Doubront.

B:4 S:2 O:0
Jhonny Peralta walks.

B:0 S:3 O:1
Omar Infante strikes out swinging.

B:1 S:2 O:2
Avisail Garcia flies out to right fielder Shane Victorino.

B:0 S:1 O:3
Bryan Holaday grounds out, third baseman Jose Iglesias to first baseman Mike Napoli.

BOS 4 - 3 AFTER 6 INNINGS

BOS - Top 7th
B:1 S:0 O:0
Dustin Pedroia singles on a line drive to left fielder Avisail Garcia.

B:0 S:1 O:0
David Ortiz singles on a ground ball to right fielder Torii Hunter. Dustin Pedroia to 2nd.

B:1 S:2 O:1
Mike Napoli flies out to left fielder Avisail Garcia. Dustin Pedroia to 3rd.

B:1 S:0 O:2
Jonny Gomes pops out to first baseman Victor Martinez in foul territory.

B:0 S:1 O:3
Stephen Drew pops out to shortstop Jhonny Peralta.


DET - Bot 7th
Pitching Change: Andrew Bailey replaces Junichi Tazawa.

B:2 S:2 O:0
Austin Jackson singles on a ground ball to center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury.

B:0 S:1 O:1
Torii Hunter lines out, second baseman Dustin Pedroia to first baseman Mike Napoli.

On-field Delay.

B:1 S:0 O:1
Miguel Cabrera singles on a ground ball to right fielder Shane Victorino. Austin Jackson to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Andrew Miller replaces Andrew Bailey.

Coaching visit to mound.

B:2 S:1 O:1
Prince Fielder singles on a line drive to right fielder Shane Victorino. Austin Jackson to 3rd. Miguel Cabrera to 2nd.

B:0 S:3 O:2
Victor Martinez strikes out on a foul tip.

B:0 S:2 O:2
Jhonny Peralta hit by pitch. Austin Jackson scores. Miguel Cabrera to 3rd. Prince Fielder to 2nd.
TIED 4 - 4

B:1 S:2 O:3
Omar Infante grounds into a force out, third baseman Jose Iglesias to second baseman Dustin Pedroia. Jhonny Peralta out at 2nd.

TIED 4 - 4 AFTER 7 INNINGS

BOS - Top 8th
B:3 S:2 O:1
Ryan Lavarnway lines out to left fielder Avisail Garcia.

B:2 S:2 O:2
Jose Iglesias grounds out, second baseman Omar Infante to first baseman Victor Martinez.

B:2 S:1 O:2
Jacoby Ellsbury singles on a fly ball to left fielder Avisail Garcia.

Pitching Change: Joaquin Benoit replaces Drew Smyly.


Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Daniel Nava replaces Shane Victorino.

Coaching visit to mound.

With Daniel Nava batting, Jacoby Ellsbury steals (32) 2nd base.

B:1 S:3 O:3
Daniel Nava strikes out swinging.


DET - Bot 8th
Daniel Nava remains in the game as the right fielder.

B:0 S:0 O:0
Avisail Garcia reaches on a fielding error by right fielder Daniel Nava. Avisail Garcia to 2nd.

On-field Delay.

Boston Red Sox Manager John Farrell ejected by 2B umpire Mike DiMuro.

B:0 S:1 O:0
Bryan Holaday hits a sacrifice bunt. Throwing error by pitcher Andrew Miller. Avisail Garcia to 3rd. Bryan Holaday to 1st.

B:4 S:1 O:0
Austin Jackson walks. Bryan Holaday to 2nd.

Coaching visit to mound.

Pitching Change: Alex Wilson replaces Andrew Miller.


Boston Red Sox right fielder Shane Victorino left the game due to an injured back.

B:1 S:2 O:1
Torii Hunter out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury. Avisail Garcia scores. Bryan Holaday to 3rd.
DET 5 - 4

B:4 S:0 O:1
Alex Wilson intentionally walks Miguel Cabrera. Austin Jackson to 2nd.

Coaching visit to mound.

Pitching Change: Craig Breslow replaces Alex Wilson.

B:1 S:0 O:1
Prince Fielder singles on a ground ball to center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury. Bryan Holaday scores. Austin Jackson scores. Miguel Cabrera to 2nd.
DET 7 - 4

B:2 S:1 O:3
Victor Martinez grounds into a double play, pitcher Craig Breslow to shortstop Stephen Drew to second baseman Dustin Pedroia to first baseman Mike Napoli. Prince Fielder out at 2nd.

DET 7 - 4 AFTER 8 INNINGS

BOS - Top 9th
B:2 S:2 O:0
Dustin Pedroia singles on a ground ball to left fielder Avisail Garcia.

With David Ortiz batting, Dustin Pedroia advances to 2nd on defensive indifference.

B:2 S:3 O:1
David Ortiz strikes out swinging.

B:2 S:1 O:2
Mike Napoli lines out to center fielder Austin Jackson.

B:0 S:1 O:2
Jonny Gomes doubles (7) on a line drive to right fielder Torii Hunter. Dustin Pedroia scores.
DET 7 - 5


B:0 S:1 O:3
Stephen Drew lines out to right fielder Torii Hunter.


TIGERS WIN 7 - 5

CLICK HERE FOR BOX SCORE


W: Benoit (2-0, 2.01 ERA)
L: Miller, A (0-2, 2.93 ERA)


Game Info

IBB: Cabrera, M (by Wilson, A).
HBP: Iglesias (by Verlander), Peralta, Jh (by Miller, A).
Pitches-strikes: Doubront 104-60, Tazawa 16-11, Bailey, A 9-6, Miller, A 24-16, Wilson, A 8-3, Breslow 6-3, Verlander 112-69, Smyly 40-27, Benoit 23-16.
Groundouts-flyouts: Doubront 6-6, Tazawa 1-1, Bailey, A 0-0, Miller, A 2-1, Wilson, A 0-1, Breslow 1-0, Verlander 4-5, Smyly 4-1, Benoit 0-0.
Batters faced: Doubront 23, Tazawa 4, Bailey, A 3, Miller, A 7, Wilson, A 2, Breslow 2, Verlander 26, Smyly 11, Benoit 6.
Inherited runners-scored: Miller, A 2-1, Wilson, A 3-1, Breslow 3-2, Benoit 1-0.
Ejections: Boston Red Sox Manager John Farrell ejected by 2B umpire Mike DiMuro (8th)
Umpires: HP: Alfonso Marquez. 1B: Scott Barry. 2B: Mike DiMuro. 3B: Ted Barrett.
Weather: 86 degrees, sunny.
Wind: 10 mph, In from RF.
T: 3:47.
Att: 41,507.
Venue: Comerica Park.
June 23, 2013