The Motor City Kitties wrap up the month hosting the AL Central leaders for a pair in the D this week.
The Detroit Tigers look to end a successful July on a high note at home against the Cleveland Guardians in a two-game series that will mark the 10th time the two franchises have faced off this month. AJ Hinch’s squad holds the edge so far, having won five of the first eight while dropping the other three.
Overall, the Olde English D has posted a 14-9 record heading into Monday night’s opener bringing the team back to the cusp of the .500 mark — but unable to crack it again just yet. The Cleves, on the other hand, were 11-12 in July but still maintain a 4.5-game lead over the Minnesota Twins in the American League Central.
Below is a quick look at three of the four pitchers who will start on the mound for both respective teams, with the Tigers once again looking at a bullpen day on Tuesday. Then, everyone gets a breather on the final day of the month before August begins.
Detroit Tigers (52-55) vs Cleveland Guardians (63-42)
Times (ET): Monday: 6:40 p.m.; Tuesday: 1:10 p.m.
Place: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
SB Nation Site: Covering the Corner
Media: Bally Sports Detroit, MLB.TV
, Tigers Radio Network
Game 108: RHP Jack Flaherty (7-5, 2.95 ERA) vs. RHP Tanner Bibee (8-4, 3.50 ERA)
Flaherty
Baseball Savant
Bibee
Baseball Savant
Game 109: TBD vs. RHP Gavin Williams (0-3, 4.50 ERA)
Baseball Savant
Series Outlook: Wrap it up!
The Tigers have had the mojo this month despite playing eight games so far against the division leaders who also happen to (still) have one of the best records in the majors. Flaherty’s start on Monday night should give the fans a sense of security, but his opponent in Bibee could battle him in a good old-fashioned pitcher’s duel. Then Detroit has a mystery box day on Tuesday against an unproven greenhorn which leaves the door open for pretty much anything to happen.
Long story short: The Motor City Kitties have to ride their momentum and take at least one of these two games.