GDT123: 8/17/13 - DET (71-51) VS KC (64-57) - 7:08 p.m. ET

Tigers: RHP Doug Fister (10-6, 3.60 ERA)

Fister turned in an uncharacteristically wild outing on Monday against the White Sox, issuing a season-high-tying three walks while getting bit by a three-run fifth inning. It was his first loss in a span of eight starts (4-0, 3.23 ERA up til then).



Royals: RHP Wade Davis (6-9, 5.29 ERA)

Davis pitched six solid innings against the Marlins on Monday, allowing just two runs on six hits with two walks and three strikeouts. He has wins in two of his last three starts after taking losses in four straight.





Royals hoping they don't skip beat in Motown
Righty Davis, KC shoot for three in a row against Fister, Tigers

By Jacob Thorpe / MLB.com | 8/17/2013 1:20 AM ET

Playing the first-place Tigers presents a golden opportunity for the Royals, who sit in third place in the American League Central standings. However, it also presents an enormous challenge against one of the Major Leagues' fiercest defenders of its home turf.

The Tigers have won 71 of their last 103 games at Comerica Park dating to July 4, 2012, the best home record in baseball over that span. Detroit is particularly hot at the moment, winning 19 of its past 27 games overall.

Right-hander Wade Davis starts for the Royals, who are seeking their third straight win after Friday's twin-bill sweep of the Tigers. Davis pitched six solid innings against the Marlins on Monday, allowing just two runs on six hits with two walks and three strikeouts. He has wins in two of his last three starts after taking losses in four straight.

Detroit counters with right-hander Doug Fister, who turned in an uncharacteristically wild outing on Monday against the White Sox, issuing a season-high-matching three walks while getting bit by a three-run fifth inning. It was his first loss in a span of eight starts (4-0, 3.23 ERA up until then).

If the Royals can pull out a win in the fourth game of the five-game series on Sunday, they'll sit just 5 1/2 games behind the front-running Tigers. However, Kansas City will be even more shorthanded in its quest.

Center fielder Lorenzo Cain is on the 15-day disabled list and third baseman Mike Moustakas has been sidelined by a calf injury. Outfielder Justin Maxwell left the team after the first game of Friday's doubleheader to attend the funeral of his grandmother. Manager Ned Yost knows their absences will make it tougher on his team.

"It makes a difference, it does," Yost said. "Moose has been swinging the bat really well. Our defense with Cain in there is better; he's arguably one of the best center fielders in the American League. And count his offense, too. It hurts, but you've got to find ways to cover it. That's what good teams do."

The Tigers are dealing with injury problems of their own, as catcher Alex Avila recovers from a concussion. He must be symptom-free for 24 hours before he'll be allowed to resume activities.

Royals: Top-ranked prospect shut down
Right-hander Kyle Zimmer, the top-ranked prospect in the Kansas City organization, left his start for Double-A Northwest Arkansas on Wednesday night and has been shut down for the remainder of the season.

"Kyle has some minor shoulder irritation and has reached his innings threshold for the season, so he will no longer pitch in 2013," said Royals director of player development Scott Sharp. "He is returning to school for the fall semester to rest and knock out some classes, and will return ready to go in 2014."

Zimmer threw 108 1/3 innings between Northwest Arkansas and Class A Wilmington. He had a combined 4.32 ERA in 22 starts, compiling 140 strikeouts against just 36 walks.

Tigers: Rondon slowly but surely developing
While Bruce Rondon hasn't immediately developed into the Major League closer the Tigers had hoped for, the organization is seeing steady progress from the right-handed reliever. Over eight innings in August, he's allowed just four hits while striking out eight.

"I'm really happy with him. I think it's working, knock on wood," manager Jim Leyland said. "I think the philosophy is working a little bit. We kind of broke him in and got him a little more responsibility as we go on, and I think he's responded pretty good. I'm really happy with him."

Worth noting
• The Royals have been terrors on the basepaths of late, stealing 16 bases over their last eight games.

• Kansas City's victory in the first game of Friday's doubleheader ended Detroit's 10-game home winning streak.

Jacob Thorpe is an associate reporter for MLB.com. 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.) rehab assignment

• C Alex Avila (Delayed concussive symptoms., placed on the 7-day disabled list retroactive to August 11, 2013.)




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• SUN, Aug 18:
TIGERS: (RHP Max Scherzer (17-1, 2.85 ERA)) VS
ROYALS: (LHP Bruce Chen (5-0, 1.62 ERA))
1:08  p.m. ET (FS-D / FM 97.1)


• MON, Aug 19:
OFF DAY


• TUE, Aug 20:
TIGERS: (RHP Rick Porcello (9-6, 4.33 ERA)) VS
Twins: (RHP Mike Pelfrey (4-10, 5.26 ERA))
7:08  p.m. ET (FS-D / FM 97.1)


• WED, Aug 21:
TIGERS: (RHP Anibal Sanchez (11-7, 2.50 ERA)) VS
Twins: (RHP Kevin Correia (8-9, 4.61 ERA))
7:08  p.m. ET (FS-D / FM 97.1)

STARTING LINEUPS:

TIGERS (career numbers off Wade Davis)

   Austin Jackson, CF (1-for-11, walk, 3 K’s)
   Don Kelly, RF (4-for-7, K)
   Miguel Cabrera, 3B (5-for-14, 2 HR, 2 walks, 2 K’s)
   Prince Fielder, 1B (0-for-5, 2 walks)
   Victor Martinez, DH (4-for-15, 2 walks, K)
   Andy Dirks, LF (2-for-9)
   Omar Infante, 2B (5-for-9)
   Brayan Pena, C (0-for-3, K)
   Jose Iglesias, SS (0-for-1)

P: Doug Fister

ROYALS (career numbers against Doug Fister)

   David Lough, RF (2-for-7, K)
   Eric Hosmer, 1B (3-for-14, walk, K)
   Billy Butler, DH (8-for-26, 2 walks, 3 K’s)
   Alex Gordon, LF (5-for-24, 6 K’s)
   Salvador Perez, C (4-for-18, K)
   Mike Moustakas, 3B (5-for-16, HR, 5 K’s)
   Emilio Bonifacio, CF (1-for-8)
   Chris Getz, 2B (2-for-7, 2 walks)
   Alcides Escobar, SS (7-for-24, HR, walk, 4 K’s)

P: Wade Davis

KC - Top 1st
B:3 S:2 O:0
David Lough singles on a ground ball to center fielder Austin Jackson.

B:2 S:1 O:0
Eric Hosmer singles on a sharp ground ball to right fielder Don Kelly. David Lough to 2nd.

B:0 S:3 O:1
Billy Butler strikes out swinging.

B:0 S:1 O:2
Alex Gordon grounds out to first baseman Prince Fielder. David Lough to 3rd. Eric Hosmer to 2nd.

B:0 S:1 O:3
Salvador Perez grounds out, third baseman Miguel Cabrera to first baseman Prince Fielder.


DET - Bot 1st
B:0 S:1 O:1
Austin Jackson grounds out, third baseman Mike Moustakas to first baseman Eric Hosmer.

B:1 S:1 O:1
Don Kelly singles on a ground ball to right fielder David Lough.

B:2 S:1 O:2
Miguel Cabrera grounds out, third baseman Mike Moustakas to first baseman Eric Hosmer. Don Kelly to 2nd.

B:0 S:0 O:2
Prince Fielder doubles (28) on a line drive to center fielder Emilio Bonifacio. Don Kelly scores.

DET 1 - 0


B:3 S:1 O:2
Victor Martinez singles on a ground ball to left fielder Alex Gordon. Prince Fielder scores.

DET 2 - 0

B:0 S:1 O:3
Andy Dirks lines out to second baseman Chris Getz.

DET 2 - 0 AFTER 1 INNING

KC - Top 2nd
B:2 S:2 O:0
Mike Moustakas singles on a soft ground ball to catcher Brayan Pena. Mike Moustakas advances to 2nd, on a throwing error by catcher Brayan Pena.

B:0 S:0 O:1
Emilio Bonifacio flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson.

B:0 S:2 O:2
Chris Getz reaches on a fielder's choice out, pitcher Doug Fister to third baseman Miguel Cabrera to shortstop Jose Iglesias to third baseman Miguel Cabrera. Mike Moustakas out at 3rd. Chris Getz to 2nd on the throw.

B:0 S:2 O:3
Alcides Escobar grounds out, shortstop Jose Iglesias to first baseman Prince Fielder.


DET - Bot 2nd
B:1 S:1 O:0
Omar Infante singles on a line drive to center fielder Emilio Bonifacio.

With Brayan Pena batting, wild pitch by Wade Davis, Omar Infante to 2nd.

B:3 S:2 O:1
Brayan Pena grounds out, second baseman Chris Getz to first baseman Eric Hosmer. Omar Infante to 3rd.

B:1 S:1 O:1
Jose Iglesias singles on a bunt ground ball to catcher Salvador Perez. Omar Infante scores.
DET 3 - 0

B:2 S:3 O:2
Austin Jackson strikes out on a foul tip.

B:4 S:2 O:2
Don Kelly walks. Jose Iglesias to 2nd.

B:2 S:1 O:3
Miguel Cabrera pops out to second baseman Chris Getz.

DET 3 - 0 AFTER 2 INNINGS

KC - Top 3rd
B:0 S:1 O:1
David Lough grounds out to first baseman Prince Fielder.

B:4 S:1 O:1
Eric Hosmer walks.

B:0 S:1 O:1
Billy Butler singles on a ground ball to center fielder Austin Jackson. Eric Hosmer to 2nd.

B:1 S:2 O:1
Alex Gordon singles on a ground ball to right fielder Don Kelly. Eric Hosmer scores. Billy Butler to 2nd.
DET 3 - 1


B:2 S:1 O:1
Salvador Perez singles on a ground ball to center fielder Austin Jackson. Billy Butler scores. Alex Gordon to 2nd.
DET 3 - 2


B:0 S:3 O:2
Mike Moustakas strikes out swinging.

B:2 S:2 O:3
Emilio Bonifacio lines out sharply to center fielder Austin Jackson.


DET - Bot 3rd
B:2 S:2 O:1
Prince Fielder lines out to left fielder Alex Gordon.

B:1 S:2 O:2
Victor Martinez grounds out, shortstop Alcides Escobar to first baseman Eric Hosmer.

B:4 S:0 O:2
Andy Dirks walks.

B:2 S:2 O:2
Omar Infante singles on a line drive to left fielder Alex Gordon. Andy Dirks to 2nd.

B:3 S:2 O:3
Brayan Pena grounds out to first baseman Eric Hosmer.

DET 3 - 2 AFTER 3 INNINGS

KC - Top 4th
B:1 S:1 O:0
Chris Getz singles on a line drive to left fielder Andy Dirks.

With Alcides Escobar batting, wild pitch by Doug Fister, Chris Getz to 3rd.

On-field Delay. (THE PITCH HIT THE GROUND AND THEN WAS FOULED OFF ESCOBAR'S BAT, BUT THE UMPS MISSED THE FOUL OFF AND SINCE PENA SAW THE BALL HIT THE BAT HE DID NOT RUSH AFTER THE BALL AND GETZ ADVANCED TO 3RD)

On-field Delay. (LELAND AND PENA ARGUED AND ASKED FOR THE OTHER UMPS FOR THEIR OPINION, THEY MISSED IT AND LELAND WENT BALLISTIC)

Detroit Tigers Manager Jim Leyland ejected by 1B umpire Bob Davidson.

B:3 S:2 O:0
Alcides Escobar doubles (16) on a ground ball to left fielder Andy Dirks. Chris Getz scores.
TIED 3 - 3

On-field Delay. (PENA FACING THE MOUND MUST HAVE COMPLAINED AND HE WAS THROWN OUT OF THE GAME)

Detroit Tigers catcher Brayan Pena ejected by HP umpire Mike Muchlinski.

Defensive Substitution: Bryan Holaday replaces catcher Brayan Pena, batting 8th, playing catcher.

B:2 S:1 O:1
David Lough pops out to first baseman Prince Fielder in foul territory.

B:4 S:2 O:1
Eric Hosmer walks.

Coaching visit to mound.

B:0 S:0 O:3
Billy Butler grounds into a double play, second baseman Omar Infante to shortstop Jose Iglesias to first baseman Prince Fielder. Eric Hosmer out at 2nd.


DET - Bot 4th
B:0 S:2 O:0
Jose Iglesias singles on a line drive to second baseman Chris Getz, deflected by pitcher Wade Davis.

B:3 S:2 O:1
Austin Jackson grounds out, shortstop Alcides Escobar to first baseman Eric Hosmer. Jose Iglesias to 2nd.

B:1 S:1 O:2
Don Kelly grounds out softly, second baseman Chris Getz to first baseman Eric Hosmer. Jose Iglesias to 3rd.

B:1 S:2 O:2
Miguel Cabrera doubles (24) on a line drive to right fielder David Lough. Jose Iglesias scores.
DET 4 - 3

Coaching visit to mound.

Pitching Change: Will Smith replaces Wade Davis.

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

DET 4 - 3 AFTER 4 INNINGS

KC - Top 5th
B:3 S:3 O:1
Alex Gordon called out on strikes.

B:1 S:3 O:2
Salvador Perez called out on strikes.

B:2 S:1 O:2
Mike Moustakas singles on a soft fly ball to center fielder Austin Jackson.

B:1 S:1 O:2
Emilio Bonifacio doubles (18) on a line drive to right fielder Don Kelly. Mike Moustakas to 3rd.

B:0 S:1 O:3
Chris Getz flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson.


DET - Bot 5th
B:1 S:1 O:1
Victor Martinez grounds out, second baseman Chris Getz to first baseman Eric Hosmer.

B:2 S:3 O:2
Andy Dirks strikes out swinging.

B:0 S:0 O:3
Omar Infante grounds out, third baseman Mike Moustakas to first baseman Eric Hosmer.

DET 4 - 3 AFTER 5 INNINGS

KC - Top 6th
B:1 S:3 O:1
Alcides Escobar strikes out swinging.

B:2 S:2 O:2
David Lough grounds out, second baseman Omar Infante to first baseman Prince Fielder.

B:2 S:3 O:3
Eric Hosmer called out on strikes.


DET - Bot 6th
B:2 S:2 O:1
Bryan Holaday grounds out, first baseman Eric Hosmer to pitcher Will Smith.

B:2 S:3 O:2
Jose Iglesias called out on strikes.

B:4 S:0 O:2
Austin Jackson walks.

B:0 S:0 O:3
Don Kelly pops out to third baseman Mike Moustakas in foul territory.

DET 4 - 3 AFTER 6 INNINGS

KC - Top 7th
Defensive Substitution: Ramon Santiago replaces second baseman Omar Infante, batting 7th, playing second base.

B:1 S:1 O:1
Billy Butler grounds out, shortstop Jose Iglesias to first baseman Prince Fielder.

Pitching Change: Drew Smyly replaces Doug Fister.

Coaching visit to mound.

B:3 S:3 O:2
Alex Gordon strikes out on a foul tip.

B:1 S:2 O:2
Salvador Perez homers (5) on a fly ball to left field.
TIED 4 - 4

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Jamey Carroll replaces Mike Moustakas.

B:1 S:1 O:3
Jamey Carroll flies out to left fielder Andy Dirks.


DET - Bot 7th
Jamey Carroll remains in the game as the third baseman.

B:0 S:1 O:1
Miguel Cabrera grounds out, second baseman Chris Getz to first baseman Eric Hosmer.

B:2 S:1 O:1
Prince Fielder homers (19) on a line drive to right center field.
DET 5 - 4


B:0 S:1 O:1
Victor Martinez singles on a ground ball to right fielder David Lough.

B:4 S:0 O:1
Andy Dirks walks. Victor Martinez to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Kelvin Herrera replaces Will Smith.

Coaching visit to mound.

B:2 S:3 O:2
Ramon Santiago strikes out swinging.

B:0 S:1 O:3
Bryan Holaday flies out to center fielder Emilio Bonifacio.

DET 5 - 4 AFTER 7 INNINGS

KC - Top 8th
Pitching Change: Jose Veras replaces Drew Smyly.

Detroit Tigers second baseman Omar Infante left the game due to an injured back.

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

With Chris Getz batting, Emilio Bonifacio steals (16) 2nd base, . Emilio Bonifacio advances to 3rd, on a throwing error by catcher Bryan Holaday.

B:1 S:2 O:0
Chris Getz singles on a line drive to center fielder Austin Jackson. Emilio Bonifacio scores.
TIED 5 - 5

B:1 S:1 O:0
Alcides Escobar singles on a ground ball to right fielder Don Kelly. Chris Getz to 3rd.

With David Lough batting, Alcides Escobar steals (15) 2nd base.

B:1 S:0 O:1
David Lough pops out to third baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:4 S:0 O:1
Jose Veras intentionally walks Eric Hosmer.

B:2 S:1 O:2
Billy Butler lines out to third baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:1 S:0 O:3
Alex Gordon grounds out sharply, first baseman Prince Fielder to pitcher Jose Veras.


DET - Bot 8th
B:0 S:0 O:0
Jose Iglesias singles on a ground ball to left fielder Alex Gordon.

B:0 S:2 O:1
Austin Jackson lines out to right fielder David Lough.

B:2 S:2 O:3
Don Kelly grounds into a double play, third baseman Jamey Carroll to second baseman Chris Getz to first baseman Eric Hosmer. Jose Iglesias out at 2nd.

TIED 5 - 5 AFTER 8 INNINGS

KC - Top 9th
Pitching Change: Joaquin Benoit replaces Jose Veras.

B:4 S:2 O:0
Salvador Perez walks.

B:0 S:0 O:1
Jamey Carroll out on a sacrifice bunt, first baseman Prince Fielder to second baseman Ramon Santiago. Salvador Perez to 2nd.

B:1 S:2 O:2
Emilio Bonifacio grounds out to first baseman Prince Fielder. Salvador Perez to 3rd.

B:0 S:0 O:3
Chris Getz bunt grounds out to first baseman Prince Fielder.


DET - Bot 9th
Pitching Change: Aaron Crow replaces Kelvin Herrera.

B:3 S:1 O:0
Miguel Cabrera homers (39) on a line drive to right field.


TIGERS WIN 6-5

CLICK HERE FOR BOX SCORE


W: Benoit
L: Crow


Game Info

Crow pitched to 1 batter in the 9th.

WP: Davis, W, Fister.
IBB: Hosmer (by Veras).
Pitches-strikes: Davis, W 93-57, Smith, W 44-25, Herrera, K 17-13, Crow 5-2, Fister 118-79, Smyly 15-10, Veras 23-13, Benoit 13-8.
Groundouts-flyouts: Davis, W 7-0, Smith, W 4-0, Herrera, K 1-1, Crow 0-0, Fister 8-2, Smyly 0-1, Veras 1-0, Benoit 3-0.
Batters faced: Davis, W 21, Smith, W 12, Herrera, K 5, Crow 1, Fister 30, Smyly 3, Veras 7, Benoit 4.
Inherited runners-scored: Smith, W 1-0, Herrera, K 2-0.
Ejections: Detroit Tigers Manager Jim Leyland ejected by 1B umpire Bob Davidson (4th); Detroit Tigers catcher Brayan Pena ejected by HP umpire Mike Muchlinski (4th)
Umpires: HP: Mike Muchlinski. 1B: Bob Davidson. 2B: John Hirschbeck. 3B: Quinn Wolcott.
Weather: 76 degrees, clear.
Wind: 10 mph, In from LF.
T: 3:25.
Att: 41,850.
Venue: Comerica Park.
August 17, 2013