Game Preview: Yankees vs. Tigers – June 2, 2012

The middle game of the three-game series between the New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers features a pair of pitchers still trying to find their way this season. Hiroki Kuroda has yet to resemble the pitcher the Yankees hoped for on a consistent basis, and Tigers righty Rick Porcello has experienced much of the same ups and downs thus far in 2012.

The Yankees will be trying to build on yesterday’s offensive efforts and move to a season high six games over .500. The Tigers are heading in the opposite direction as they are trying to avoid going a season high five games under .500.

Much of the responsibility is going to sit in the hands of each of the starters as both offenses have been holding their own recently. Kuroda is coming off an eight-inning scoreless performance against the Oakland A’s, while Porcello took a no-decision in his last appearance against the Minnesota Twins.

Kuroda is looking to win his second straight start on the road where has struggled this season (1-4, 4.55 ERA).  He has started one game against Detroit in his career when he allowed 3 earned runs in six innings. Porcello is 2-2 with a 5.56 ERA against the Yankees in four starts. Robinson Cano (5-for-13) is among the few Yankees to have success against Porcello.

LINEUP

1. Derek Jeter (SS)
2. Curtis Granderson (CF)
3. Alex Rodriguez (3B)
4. Robinson Cano (2B)
5. Mark Teixeira (1B)
6. Raul Ibanez (LF)
7. Nick Swisher (RF)
8. Eric Chavez (DH)
9. Russell Martin (C)