By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, June 12, 2011
.Up next
at Tigers
Tonight
What's new: The Tigers have won nine of 13 to pull into a tie for first place in the AL Central with the Indians. CF Austin Jackson has been a catalyst atop the lineup, with 1B Miguel Cabrera and C Victor Martinez providing pop in the middle of the order. Magglio Ordonez (right ankle) is expected to be activated off the disabled list today. RHP Joaquin Benoit has bounced back after a rough start to have 10 scoreless appearances in his past 11. Tonight is a makeup from a May 25 postponement.
Key stat: Martinez has been tough on Tampa Bay, hitting .378 with eight homers and 43 RBIs in 58 games.
Connections: OF Matt Joyce, DH Johnny Damon and RHP Kyle Farnsworth are former Tigers. Benoit is a former Ray, and OF Ryan Raburn is a Tampa native.
Series history: The Rays are 0-2 against the Tigers this season, both games in Detroit, and lead the overall series 50-48. Tampa Bay is 24-26 in Detroit.
Joe Smith, Times staff writer