Detroit Vs. Kansas City
Some poor pitching cost the Detroit Tigers in their first two series of 2011, but they got a much-needed quality start in their opener at Comerica Park.
They're probably not sure what to expect from the next pitcher to take the mound.
Phil Coke hasn't looked sharp in a pair of relief appearances, but the Tigers will give the left-hander his second major league start Saturday as they try to lock up a series victory against the Kansas City Royals.
Detroit (3-4) posted a 7.02 ERA through six games - better than only Boston's league-worst 7.13 - and its starters were even worse, turning in a 7.75 ERA while surrendering 10 homers in 33 2-3 innings.
The Tigers had scored first in two of their four losses, but Max Scherzer made a big early inning stand up in Friday's home opener. Victor Martinez hit a bases-clearing double in his first home at-bat with Detroit to key a four-run first and Scherzer held Kansas City (4-3) to a run over six innings en route to a 5-2 victory.
"It's a great feeling," said Martinez, who came in hitting just .225 at Comerica, his worst in any current AL park. "You look up, you see a full house. That makes you bring your 'A' game every time."
The Tigers didn't follow either of their first two quality starts with another, and getting six decent innings from Coke (0-1, 7.71 ERA) might be a bit much to expect.
Coke has made 160 major league appearances, but lasted just 1 2-3 innings in his lone start, which came on the final day of the 2010 regular season against Baltimore.
He pitched well in six spring training starts but began the season in the bullpen, yielding three runs - two earned - in 2 1-3 innings. Coke admitted to struggling with the transition back to the bullpen, but he's back in the rotation with Detroit needing a fifth starter for the first time.
"It's all about mindset," Coke told the Tigers' official website. "The perfect mindset is that if you don't mind, it don't matter."
Coke had a 3.52 ERA in eight games against the Royals last season even though they hit .387 against him.
Kansas City designated hitter Billy Butler, who's off to a .385 start and has five RBIs in his last four games, is 2 for 2 with a homer against Coke.
Even if Coke struggles, Detroit's offense may be able to keep up. Kansas City starter Bruce Chen (0-0, 9.00) pitched poorly in his first outing, allowing five runs - and three homers - over five innings in Sunday's 12-9, 12-inning win over the Los Angeles Angels.
Chen was 2-1 with a 6.30 ERA in four starts against the Tigers last season, walking 12 and yielding three homers in 20 innings.
Most pitchers have plenty of reason to be wary facing Miguel Cabrera, but that's even more true in Chen's case. The five-time All-Star is 8 for 14 (.571) with three homers and seven walks against the left-hander.
Cabrera has hit safely in 10 consecutive home games since Sept. 10, batting .417 (15 for 36) with five homers and 14 RBIs.
Copyright 2011 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and The Associated Press is strictly prohibited.
