MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The Detroit Tigers spent the last four seasons beating up on AL Central opponents, and the first three weeks of this campaign have been no different.
Entering the game Wednesday, the Tigers are 4-0 in series battles within the division, including four wins in five games against the Minnesota Twins. They'll put that streak on the line this afternoon in a rubber match at Target Field.
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Minnesota broke a four-game 2015 losing streak to the Tigers Tuesday behind a seven-inning gem from Mike Pelfrey. Pelfrey held the Tigers to just three hits and two runs, striking out a season-high seven.
The final 16 Tiger batters were retired in order to end the game.
Shane Greene will lead the bounce back effort, taking the mound for Detroit in the finale. Greene allowed just one earned run in his first three starts, but got rocked by the Indians to the tune of eight runs in four innings Friday.
First Pitch: 1:10 p.m. on FSD
Greene owned the Twins in his first start wearing the Old English D, holding them to just one unearned run in eight innings. Minnesota's roster owns a .161 average against Greene with six strikeouts and five hits.
The Twins will counter with ace Phil Hughes, who is off to a terrible start in 2015. Hughes has lost each of his first four starts and allowed 13 runs in 26.2 innings. Home runs have haunted Hughes, as he's already allowed six.
J.D. Martinez and Alex Avila took Hughes deep on Opening Day.
Miguel Cabrera absolutely dominates Hughes throughout his career, owning a .471 average with four doubles, five homers and 12 RBI in 34 at-bats.
If the Tigers win the rubber match Wednesday, they'll stay perfect in AL Central series, and move to 5-1 in series this season overall.
Detroit will travel to Kansas City next for a four-game set beginning Thursday. The Royals hold a half-game lead in the Central after beating the Indians Tuesday night.