Detroit Tigers hoping to keep winning streak alive against falling Texas Rangers

Two teams going in opposite directions is the theme behind the current three-game series between the Detroit Tigers (41-32) and the Texas Rangers (35-41). Leading the charge last night was the Tigers’ Ian Kinsler, who hit a home run in his first game back in Texas. The second baseman was traded in the off-season for Prince Fielder, who is out for the season with an injury.

Kinsler said, “I mean, it was my return home, and get lucky enough to square one up like that and have it go over the fence, it was a good feeling. I was just having fun.”

Added Tigers Manager Brad Ausmus, “He has the ability to make batters miss the barrel, to get a lot of balls off the end or off the hands.”

While the Tigers have won six straight, the Rangers are struggling, losers of six consecutive games.

Rangers manager Ron Washington said, “We just can’t put anything together.”

Tonight’s match-up features Detroit’s Anibal Sanchez (4-2, 2.33 ERA) and Texas’ Joe Saunders (0-3, 4.11 ERA). The latter gave up four runs and 10 hits in last week’s loss to the Los Angeles Angels.

Look for the Tigers to jump all over Saunders. This makes the over in play with the Tigers as an away team 20-14-1 o/u, while the Rangers are 17-17-2 o/u at home. Bombs away!