Detroit Tigers (4-7) vs. Texas Rangers (9-2) Series Finale Preview

The Rangers and C.J. Wilson were unable to secure their 10th win of the season yesterday losing to the Detroit Tigers 5-4 and was their first loss to a right-handed pitcher for the season as they were 7-0 entering the game. Nelson Cruz tied the score 4-4 and it stayed that way until the bottom of the ninth with the Tigers up. Miguel Cabrera hit a single with the bases loaded giving them that one score that they needed to pull ahead of the Rangers – and they were able to keep it to win the game.

Despite being unable to get the win yesterday, the Rangers 9-2 record over the first 11 games entering the season is the second best in the history of the club with the first being 10-1 back in 1989. The Rangers currently lead the Majors with a 2.49 overall ERA, .202 opponents average and 2.56 starters ERA. Their relief ERA OF 2.30 is third in the Majors behind PHI and FLA but is the best in the American League.

Now with Colby Lewis out awaiting the birth of his second child, who is due any day now, it will be a bullpen day for the Rangers on the mound. Pitching matchups, lineups and more after the jump…

Pitching Matchups – Including a New Debut

RHP Dave Bush was able to secure the spot start for today’s game against the Tigers. Bush has not yet seen any action this year. He is the long reliever in the bullpen and hasn’t been needed. Today will be his first performance of the 2011 MLB season – his debut. The Tigers have roughed Bush up pretty good in the past with a career 0-2 and 11.37 ERA over 12 innings allowing 18 runs (16 earned) on 24 hits. Brandon Inge is 0-for-4 against Bush, Jhonny Peralta is 2-for-5, Victor Martinez is 2-for-8 with one home run as well as two RBIs and Miguel Cabrera is 3-for-8 with two home runs off Bush as well as four RBIs.

The Tigers will counter with second-year RHP Max Scherzer who will make his third start for the 2011 season. Scherzer is 2-0 for the season with an earned run average of 5.73. The Rangers success against the Tigers RHP isn’t pretty. Julio Borbon is 1-for-3, Ian Kinsler is 2-for-6 with one RBI, Michael Young is 3-for-8 with one RBI, Elvis Andrus is 1-for-7, Nelson Cruz is 1-for-6 and Adrian Beltre is 1-for-5.

Hamilton’s Out!

The first injury has come for the Rangers and Josh Hamilton will be out for up to two months as he fractured his arm when he either slid into third or home in the first inning of the game yesterday. More about this will be up later so be sure to check back this afternoon for it and more.

And with Hamilton out, Ron Washington moves Michael Young into his spot, deservedly so, and moves Nelson Cruz up to fifth. David Murphy will take Hamilton’s spot in the outfield for now and according to Ron Washington, “Murphy will be in the outfield until I decide to give him a day off.”

Rangers Lineup vs. RHP Max Scherzer

Ian Kinsler 2B
Elvis Andrus SS
Michael Young DH
Adrian Beltre 3B
Nelson Cruz RF
David Murphy LF
Mike Napoli C
Mitch Moreland 1B
Julio Borbon CF

Tigers Lineup vs. RHP Dave Bush

Austin Jackson CF
Will Rhymes 2B
Ryan Raburn LF
Miguel Cabrera 1B
Victor Martinez DH
Brennan Boesch RF
Jhonny Peralta SS
Alex Villa C
Brandon Inge 3B