GDT: 8/11/10 - DET (54-59) VS TB (69-44) - 1:05 p.m. ET

Garza eyes no-hit encore against Tigers

By Adam Berry / MLB.com

It's no secret Matt Garza enjoyed a great deal of success in his last outing against the Tigers, throwing the first no-hitter in Rays history with a spectacular performance in Tropicana Field on July 26.

It's also not much of a mystery how he went about holding Detroit's injury-ravaged lineup hitless in the historic outing -- at least not according to Tigers manager Jim Leyland.

"Garza just threw, for the most part, high fastball after high fastball all night long," Leyland said after the game. "He mixed in a few outstanding curveballs, but really didn't use much else. Just threw fastball after fastball up top, and we just didn't get to it."

Garza will look to do more of the same Wednesday afternoon when the Rays and Tigers wrap up their three-game series, with Tampa Bay looking to narrow the gap in the American League East by pushing its winning streak to three games.

Detroit will counter by sending right-hander Justin Verlander to the mound in an attempt to avoid getting swept. Both hard-throwing right-handers have done well in daytime starts this season, with Verlander posting a 5-1 record in 10 afternoon games and Garza 3-0 in such contests.

Although Garza threw eight innings and surrendered no earned runs in his last start, lowering his ERA to 3.88, he took the loss against Toronto on Friday. Meanwhile, Verlander will be looking for his first win since July 22.

Facing Tampa Bay's strikeout-prone hitters, who have racked up an AL-leading 885 punchouts, Verlander will likely try to mirror the strategy Garza used in the no-hitter, though catcher Gerald Laird actually compared him to another Rays pitcher: left-hander David Price.

"Guys like them, obviously they are power pitchers because they throw in love with their fastballs, but if they can get [their offspeed pitches] going and that -- come on, it's almost not even fair," Laird said. "You know guys are sitting all over your heater, and it makes your fastball even better if a guy has to look for that."

Rays: Qualls rounding into form with new team
Chad Qualls, the Rays' only acquisition at the Trade Deadline, has proven to be a valuable addition to Tampa Bay's bullpen with Grant Balfour on the disabled list. Qualls has made five appearances, four of them scoreless, but his ERA stands at 9.00 due to a three-run homer he surrendered in the Rays' 17-11 loss to the Blue Jays on Saturday. Manager Joe Maddon called Qualls the key to victory Monday night, praising him for getting five outs while facing the "meaty part" of Detroit's lineup.

"Listen, Chad Qualls has really good stuff," Maddon said. "I don't mean just OK stuff. I look at his numbers and it's really hard to figure out. I know he's coming off a knee injury and he probably got off to a bad start and it kind of multiplied on him a bit. But this guy's got good stuff.

"Velocity, movement, breaking ball, etc., I believe as Chad develops more confidence, you're going to see this guy pitch really well because his stuff is really good."

Tigers: Peralta impressing on defense
While the Tigers traded for Jhonny Peralta because of his offensive capabilities, the team has been pleasantly surprised with his ability in the field as well. Peralta is back at shortstop, his original Major League position, after playing third base upon being dealt to Detroit while Brandon Inge was out.

"I think he's very solid," Leyland said. "He's very sure handed with a very accurate arm. He's not flappable. He doesn't get excited. I think he's doing very well.

"I think you are realistic about it. If you expect him to have the range of an [Alexei] Ramirez or an [Elvis] Andrus of Texas, you aren't being fair. I'm very happy with what I've seen of him at shortstop. I think he's done a very good job. I think he's a very solid Major League player. I like him a lot."

Worth noting
Maddon said he thought first baseman Carlos Pena (right plantar fascia sprain) could return to the team when his 15-day disabled list stint ends on Aug. 16, though he said right-handed reliever Balfour (intercostal strain) would likely not be ready when he is eligible to return Aug. 13.

... Although he went 0-for-3 Tuesday night, Miguel Cabrera has still hit safely in 21 of his last 26 home games, dating back to June 19.

... Right-handers Jeff Niemann and Wade Davis, both placed on the 15-day disabled list Monday with shoulder strains, were Tampa Bay's first starters on the DL since Scott Kazmir came off it on June 27, 2009. During those 14 months, 107 Major League starters went on the disabled list, while the Rays used just five starters from Sept. 17, 2009 to Aug. 1.



Pitching matchup

TIGERS: RHP Justin Verlander (12-7, 3.81 ERA)
Verlander is winless in his last three outings despite lasting at least seven innings each time. Early damage was the problem. Nine of the 10 runs off him in those games came in the first three innings, including all four Saturday against the Angels.

Rays: RHP Matt Garza (11-6, 3.88 ERA)
Garza was handed his sixth loss of the season in his last start, vs. the Jays on Friday. He went eight frames -- good for a CG -- yielding just two unearned runs. Two errors, including one his own, spoiled an otherwise strong outing.




INJURY UPDATE:
• RHP Zach Miner (right elbow tendinitis, 60-day DL on March 26),
• OF Magglio Ordonez (right ankle fracture, 15-day DL on July 25),
• LHP Bobby Seay (left shoulder strain, 60-day DL on March 26),
• INF Danny Worth (bruised left heel, 15-day DL on August 4),
• RHP Joel Zumaya (non-displaced fracture of the olecranon, 60-day DL on June 29).


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Up next (Probable Pitchers)


• Thursday, August 12,
OFF DAY

• Friday, August 13,
TIGERS (RHP Jeremy Bonderman (6-7, 4.96 ERA)) AT White Sox (LHP Mark Buehrle (10-9, 4.04 ERA)), 8:10 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / AM 1270 & 97.1 FM)

• Saturday, August 14,
TIGERS (RHP Rick Porcello (5-10, 5.74 ERA)) AT White Sox (RHP Edwin Jackson (1-0, 1.38 ERA)), 7:05 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / AM 1270 & 97.1 FM)

• Sunday, August 15,
TIGERS (RHP Armando Galarraga (3-5, 4.48 ERA)) AT White Sox (RHP Freddy Garcia (10-5, 4.90 ERA)), 2:05 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / AM 1270 & 97.1 FM)

STARTING LINEUPS:

RAYS

1. Dan Johnson, 1B
   
2. Ben Zobrist, 2B
   
3. Carl Crawford, LF
   
4. Evan Longoria, 3B
   
5. Matt Joyce, RF
   
6. Willy Aybar, DH
   
7. B.J. Upton, CF
   
8. Jason Bartlett, SS
   
9. Kelly Shoppach, C
   

P: Matt Garza

TIGERS

1. Jackson, CF
   
2. Damon, LF
   
3. Boesch, RF
   
4. Cabrera, 1B
   
5. Peralta, SS
   
6. Guillen, DH
   
7. Inge, 3B
   
8. Raburn, 2B
   
9. Laird, C
   

P: Justin Verlander

Inning 1
Top Half

B:4 S:2 O:0 -
Dan Johnson walks.


B:0 S:1 O:1 -
Ben Zobrist out on a sacrifice bunt, first baseman Miguel Cabrera to second baseman Ryan Raburn. Dan Johnson to 2nd.


B:2 S:2 O:2 -
Carl Crawford pops out to third baseman Brandon Inge in foul territory.


B:2 S:0 O:3 -
Evan Longoria grounds out, third baseman Brandon Inge to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.



Bottom Half

B:1 S:2 O:1 -
Austin Jackson grounds out, shortstop Jason Bartlett to first baseman Dan Johnson.


B:0 S:2 O:2 -
Johnny Damon grounds out, shortstop Jason Bartlett to first baseman Dan Johnson.


B:0 S:0 O:3 -
Brennan Boesch flies out to left fielder Carl Crawford.

0-0 after 1 inning

Inning 2
Top Half

B:3 S:2 O:0 -
Matt Joyce singles on a ground ball to right fielder Brennan Boesch.


B:2 S:1 O:1 -
Willy Aybar grounds out, pitcher Justin Verlander to first baseman Miguel Cabrera. Matt Joyce to 2nd.


B:4 S:2 O:1 -
B. J. Upton walks.


B:0 S:1 O:2 -
Jason Bartlett grounds out softly to first baseman Miguel Cabrera. Matt Joyce to 3rd. B. Upton to 2nd.


B:4 S:1 O:2 -
Kelly Shoppach walks.


B:2 S:0 O:3 -
Dan Johnson pops out to catcher Gerald Laird in foul territory.

0-0 after 1.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:0 S:1 O:0 -
Miguel Cabrera doubles (37) on a line drive to right fielder Matt Joyce.


B:2 S:1 O:1 -
Jhonny Peralta lines out to third baseman Evan Longoria.


B:0 S:2 O:2 -
Carlos Guillen grounds out, third baseman Evan Longoria to first baseman Dan Johnson.


B:0 S:1 O:2 - Brandon Inge singles on a line drive to
center fielder B. J. Upton. Miguel Cabrera scores. Brandon Inge
advances to 2nd, on fielding error by center fielder B.

DET 1, TB 0


B:2 S:2 O:3 -
Ryan Raburn pops out to first baseman Dan Johnson in foul territory.

DET 1, TB 0 after 2 innings

Inning 3
Top Half

B:2 S:2 O:1 -
Ben Zobrist flies out to right fielder Brennan Boesch.


B:0 S:1 O:1 -
Carl Crawford singles on a line drive to right fielder Brennan Boesch.


B:1 S:1 O:1 -
With Evan Longoria batting, Carl Crawford steals (39) 2nd base.


B:2 S:3 O:2 -
Evan Longoria out swinging.


B:2 S:3 O:3 -
Matt Joyce out swinging.



Bottom Half

B:1 S:1 O:1 -
Gerald Laird grounds out, shortstop Jason Bartlett to first baseman Dan Johnson.


B:2 S:0 O:1 -
Austin Jackson singles on a ground ball to second baseman Ben Zobrist.


B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Johnny Damon pops out to first baseman Dan Johnson.


B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Brennan Boesch singles on a line drive to right fielder Matt Joyce. Austin Jackson to 3rd.


B:4 S:0 O:2 -
Matt Garza intentionally walks Miguel Cabrera. Brennan Boesch to 2nd.


B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Coaching visit to mound.


B:2 S:1 O:3 -
Jhonny Peralta lines out softly to shortstop Jason Bartlett.

DET 1, TB 0 after 3 innings

Inning 4
Top Half

B:1 S:3 O:1 -
Willy Aybar called out on .


B:0 S:3 O:2 -
B. J. Upton out swinging.


B:2 S:3 O:3 -
Jason Bartlett called out on .



Bottom Half

B:2 S:3 O:1 -
Carlos Guillen out swinging.


B:1 S:3 O:2 -
Brandon Inge out swinging, catcher Kelly Shoppach to first baseman Dan Johnson.


B:1 S:0 O:3 -
Ryan Raburn flies out to center fielder B. J. Upton.

DET 1, TB 0 after 4 innings

Inning 5
Top Half

B:2 S:1 O:0 -
Kelly Shoppach doubles (4) on a ground ball to left fielder Johnny Damon.


B:2 S:3 O:1 -
Dan Johnson out swinging.


B:3 S:3 O:2 -
Ben Zobrist called out on .


B:3 S:2 O:3 -
Carl Crawford flies out to left fielder Johnny Damon.



Bottom Half

B:1 S:3 O:1 -
Gerald Laird out swinging.


B:3 S:3 O:2 -
Austin Jackson out swinging.


B:1 S:1 O:2 -
Johnny Damon singles on a soft ground ball to second baseman Ben Zobrist.


B:1 S:2 O:2 -
Brennan Boesch hit by pitch. Johnny Damon to 2nd.


B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Coaching visit to mound.


B:4 S:0 O:2 -
Miguel Cabrera walks. Johnny Damon to 3rd. Brennan Boesch to 2nd.


B:2 S:2 O:3 -
Jhonny Peralta lines out to third baseman Evan Longoria.

DET 1, TB 0 after 5 innings

Inning 6
Top Half

B:1 S:0 O:0 -
Evan Longoria triples (4) on a line drive to center fielder Austin Jackson.


B:1 S:0 O:0 -
Matt Joyce singles on a ground ball to right fielder Brennan Boesch. Evan Longoria scores.

TB 1, DET 1




B:1 S:0 O:1 -
Willy Aybar pops out to shortstop Jhonny Peralta.


B:3 S:2 O:1 -
B. J. Upton singles on a line drive to left fielder Johnny Damon. Matt Joyce to 2nd.


B:0 S:0 O:3 - Jason Bartlett lines into double play,
right fielder Brennan Boesch to shortstop Jhonny Peralta. Matt Joyce
doubled off 2nd.

TB 1, DET 1 after 5.5 innings

RAIN HAS STARTED...

Bottom Half

B:1 S:0 O:1 -
Carlos Guillen flies out to left fielder Carl Crawford.


B:3 S:2 O:1 -
Brandon Inge singles on a ground ball to center fielder B. J. Upton.


B:1 S:0 O:1 -
Ryan Raburn homers (4) on a fly ball to left field. Brandon Inge scores.

DET 3, TB 1




B:1 S:0 O:1 -
Coaching visit to mound.


B:4 S:1 O:1 -
Gerald Laird walks.


B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Austin Jackson flies out to right fielder Matt Joyce.


B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Coaching visit to mound.


B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Pitcher Change: Randy Choate replaces Matt Garza.


B:2 S:1 O:3 -
Johnny Damon flies out to center fielder B. Upton.

DET 3, TB 1 AFTER 6 INNINGS

Inning 7
Top Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Defensive Substitution: Don Kelly replaces left fielder Johnny Damon, batting 2nd, playing left field.


B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Pitcher Change: Ryan Perry replaces Justin Verlander.


B:4 S:1 O:0 -
Kelly Shoppach walks.


B:2 S:2 O:1 -
Dan Johnson flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson.


B:2 S:1 O:3 - Ben Zobrist grounds into double play,
second baseman Ryan Raburn to shortstop Jhonny Peralta to first baseman
Miguel Cabrera. Kelly Shoppach out at 2nd.

DET 3, TB 1 AFTER 6.5 INNINGS

Bottom Half

B:1 S:2 O:0 -
Brennan Boesch hit by pitch.


B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Coaching visit to mound.


B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Pitcher Change: Chad Qualls replaces Randy Choate.


B:2 S:0 O:2 - Miguel Cabrera grounds into double play,
third baseman Evan Longoria to second baseman Ben Zobrist to first
baseman Dan Johnson. Brennan Boesch out at 2nd.


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


B:0 S:0 O:3 -
Carlos Guillen grounds out, second baseman Ben Zobrist to first baseman Dan Johnson.

DET 3, TB 1 AFTER 7 INNINGS

Inning 8
Top Half

B:3 S:2 O:1 -
Carl Crawford lines out to center fielder Austin Jackson.


B:2 S:2 O:2 -
Evan Longoria flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson.


B:4 S:2 O:2 -
Matt Joyce walks.


B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Coaching visit to mound.


B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Pitcher Change: Jose Valverde replaces Ryan Perry.


B:1 S:2 O:3 -
Willy Aybar grounds out to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

DET 3, TB 1 AFTER 7.5 INNINGS

Bottom Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Pitcher Change: Dan Wheeler replaces Chad Qualls.


B:2 S:3 O:1 -
Brandon Inge called out on .


B:1 S:2 O:1 -
Ryan Raburn singles on a ground ball to center fielder B. J. Upton.


B:1 S:0 O:3 - Gerald Laird grounds into double play,
shortstop Jason Bartlett to second baseman Ben Zobrist to first baseman
Dan Johnson. Ryan Raburn out at 2nd.

DET 3, TB 1 AFTER 8 INNINGS

Inning 9
Top Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Defensive Substitution: Ramon Santiago replaces second baseman Ryan Raburn, batting 8th, playing second base.


B:4 S:2 O:0 -
B. J. Upton walks.


B:1 S:0 O:0 -
Coaching visit to mound.


B:2 S:1 O:0 - With Jason Bartlett batting, B. J. Upton
steals (33) 2nd base, B. J. Upton advances to 3rd, on throwing error by
catcher Gerald Laird.


B:2 S:1 O:1 -
Jason Bartlett flies out to right fielder Brennan Boesch.


B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter John Jaso replaces Kelly Shoppach.


B:2 S:1 O:2 -
John Jaso grounds out to first baseman Miguel Cabrera. B. J. Upton scores.

DET 3, TB 2




B:3 S:1 O:3 -
Dan Johnson flies out to right fielder Brennan Boesch.

DET 3, TB 2 FINAL BOX SCORE > CLICK HERE <