The Detroit Tigers dropped their series opener against the Cincinnati Reds, 9-8, in a walk-off on Friday night after building an early lead and sitting through a two-hour rain delay.
On Saturday, they turn to right-hander Framber Montero to even things up in the Queen City against their NL foes. The 25-year-old hurler has been a godsend for the Motor City Kitties after replacing an aged Justin Verlander in the rotation, having already accumulated a full win above replacement (Fangraphs) in just four games.
Montero has faced the Reds just once before — a five-inning effort last year that saw him allow two runs on seven hits (two of them solo home runs) and a walk while striking out four in an 11-5 home victory.
Opposite him is fellow righty Brett Lowder, who has been solid so far in his second season of action. The 24-year-old will be facing the Tigers for the first time in his young career on Saturday.
The game will be broadcast nationally on FOX. Here is a look at how those two pitchers match up.
Detroit Tigers (14-13) vs. Cincinnati Reds (17-9)
Time (ET): 1:40 p.m.
Place: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
SB Nation Site:Red Reporter
Media: FOX, Tigers Radio Network
Game 29: RHP Keider Montero (1-2, 3.68 ERA) vs. RHP Rhett Lowder (3-1, 3.10 ERA)
| Player | G | IP | K% | BB% | GB% | FIP | fWAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montero | 4 | 22.0 | 21.2 | 3.5 | 36.5 | 1.92 | 1.0 |
| Lowder | 5 | 29.0 | 15.3 | 7.6 | 40.7 | 3.28 | 0.7 |
MONTERO
LOWDER
