Comerica Park
Game 1: Tuesday, June 23rd, 7:05 PM ET.
Carlos Zambrano, RHP (4-2, 3.44) Vs. Edwin Jackson, RHP (6-4, 2.39)
Cubs: Zambrano recorded his eighth quality start in his last outing against the White Sox. He gave up three runs on six hits over seven innings, walking three. However, he did give up his first home run since April 17, snapping a homerless streak of 51 2/3 innings. Big Z is 1-1 with a 2.20 ERA in five starts since he was reinstated from the 15-day disabled list. He has never faced Detroit.
Tigers: Jackson gave up three runs in six innings in his last start in St. Louis but was really only hurt by three bad pitches. He gave up a solo home run to Yadier Molina and two RBI hits by rookie Colby Rasmus but pitched well enough to win the game. He fell victim, though, to the Tigers' seventh straight game of scoring three runs or fewer. He continues to hold the Tigers' team lead in innings pitched and ERA over ace Justin Verlander.
Game 2: Wednesday, June 24th, 7:05 PM ET.
Rich Harden, RHP (4-3, 5.27) Vs. Rick Porcello, RHP (8-4, 3.54)
Cubs: Harden wasn't sharp in his last outing against the Indians. He served up two three-run homers among the seven hits he gave up in five innings. The right-hander said he was falling behind in the count. He also has discovered that he can't get away with any mistakes. "It seems that this year, when I'm leaving the ball up it's cost me," he said. "If you're going to miss, miss in, miss out, but don't miss over the plate. That has to be my approach out there."
Tigers: Porcello allowed three runs -- one earned -- in 5 2/3 innings against the Cardinals on Thursday in St. Louis. He struck out three, walked two and turned a one-run lead over to the Tigers' bullpen, earning his eighth victory in 13 starts. He is 2-1 in four starts in June and has allowed just two earned runs in his last two outings.
Game 3: Thursday, June 25th, 1:05 PM ET.
Ted Lilly, LHP (7-4, 3.04) Vs. Armando Galarraga, RHP (3-7, 5.62)
Cubs: Lilly notched his team-leading 11th quality start in his last outing against the Indians. He did not get a decision as the game went extra innings, with the Cubs winning in 13. Lilly has thrown six innings or more in a career-high 10 straight games, dating to May 2. He is 4-1 with a 1.85 ERA in seven home games. In his last 27 1/3 innings, he's walked three and struck out 23. He's 2-3 with a 3.96 ERA in his career against the Tigers.
Tigers: Just because Galarraga took a no-decision in his last start Friday against the Brewers doesn't mean his struggles are over. Though Galarraga's outing was over following a two-hour rain delay in the fourth inning, he was probably going to exit even without the rain delay once Detroit took the lead. He gave up four runs, three earned, on eight hits over four innings, and escaped worse thanks to two double plays. He's winless in his last 10 starts since going 3-0 in April, and he has just three quality starts in that stretch.
