FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
TIGERS TONIGHT
PITTSBURGH PIRATES (18-20)
RHP CHARLIE MORTON (2-3, 4.05)
DETROIT TIGERS (18-20)
RHP JUSTIN VERLANDER (4-1, 2.47)
TONIGHT’S TIDBITS
• Tonight’s ceremonial first pitches will be thrown by Detroit Lions Wide Reciever, Calvin Johnson, and grandson of Hall of Famer Norman “Turkey” Stearnes, Norman Anthony Brown.
• The national anthem will be performed by Joyce Stearnes Thompson and Rosilyn Norman Brown.
TIGERS AT A GLANCE
Record: 18-20 / Streak: L2
Game #39/ Home #21
Home: 9-11 / Road: 9-9
STREAKS
Last five games: 2-3
Last 10 games: 4-6
Last 15 games: 6-9
Last 20 games: 8-12
RECENT RESULTS: The Tigers suffered a 4-3 loss to the Twins yesterday afternoon. Doug Fister (0-2) took the loss for Detroit after allowing four runs three earned) in six innings of work. Andy Dirks, Prince Fielder and Brennan Boesch all hit solo home runs for the Tigers. The Tigers continue a five-game homestand with the first game of a three-game series versus Pittsburgh this evening. Following an off day on Monday, Detroit begins a 10-game road trip to Cleveland, Minnesota and Boston on Tuesday.
INTERLEAGUE HAPPENINGS: Tonight’s contest against the Pirates is Detroit’s first of the club’s 18 games during interleague play in 2012. Since interleague play started in 1997, the Tigers have compiled a 141-124 record. The Tigers are 69-39 in interleague games at Comerica Park.
AMONG THE BEST SINCE 2006: The Tigers have compiled a 70-38 record, a .648 winning percentage, during interleague play since the start of the 2006 season. The .648 winning percentage during interleague action is second-best among major league clubs during that stretch. The Boston Red Sox have compiled a 73-35 record, a .676 winning percentage, during interleague action over that stretch.
PRINCE PLAYS LONGBALL AGAINST PIRATES: Prince Fielder enters tonight’s game with a home run once every 12.85 at-bats against Pittsburgh, second-best among all active major league players versus the club. He is hitting .280 (97x347) with 12 doubles, a triple, 27 home runs and 74 RBI in 98 games during his career against the Pirates.
FRIDAY NIGHT FIREWORKS: The first fireworks display of the season, presented by Pepsi, will take place following tonight’s game (weather permitting).
NEGRO LEAGUES WEEKEND:The Tigers are continuing their celebration of African Americans and their numerous contributions to the game of baseball. The ceremony will include the “Passing of the Bat” ceremony featuring former Tigers Great Willie Horton, FOX Sports Detroit broadcasters Rod Allen and Craig Monroe and former Negro Leagues player Jake Sanders. The national anthem will be performed by Joyce Stearnes Thompson and Rosilyn Norman Brown, daughters of National Baseball Hall of Famer Norman “Turkey” Stearnes.
DETROIT STARS SINGING COMPETITION: The Tigers have partnered with Radio One for the sixth annual Detroit Stars Singing Competition hosted by Tune Up of Radio One. The competition will take place at the Big Cat Court starting at 5:30 p.m. The top 10 finalists will be judged by celebrity judges Duke Fakir of The Four Tops, Calvin Johnson of the Detroit Lions, Tatiana Grant, Entrepreneur and President of Infused PR and Events, and Drew Rives, Marketing Director of Island Def Jam Music Group. The winner will receive $1,000 and the opportunity to sing the national anthem prior to the Tigers vs. Twins game on July 2, 2012.
