Detroit @ Tampa Bay preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 30, 2012 ) Detroit 6, Tampa Bay 2

Miguel Cabrera seeks to continue his torrid hitting when the Detroit Tigers complete a four-game series against the host Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday. Cabrera reached base five times in Saturday’s victory with three hits and two walks and is 7-for-11 in the series, while batting .500 in 22 at-bats over the last six games. The Rays are vying for a split and are 6 1/2 games behind the New York Yankees in the American League East.

Tampa Bay is only 4-11 against AL Central teams after the latest loss, which also was its fifth defeat in six games and 12th in 18 outings. The Rays are struggling without power bat Evan Longoria, sidelined since April 30 with a hamstring injury. Detroit can move within a game of .500 with a win Sunday and is four games behind the first-place Chicago White Sox. The Tigers have scored 35 runs over their last six games.

TV: 1:40 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, Sun Sports (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Drew Smyly (2-3, 4.48) vs. Rays RH Alex Cobb (3-4, 4.73)

Smyly is making his second start since a stint on the disabled list because of a blister. He lost to the Texas Rangers in his return when he gave up six runs and eight hits in 4 2/3 innings. Smyly made his first major-league start against Tampa Bay in April and gave up one run (on a homer by Carlos Pena) and four hits in four innings.

Cobb took one for the team in his last outing when pitched an eight-inning, complete-game despite allowing eight runs and 13 hits against the Kansas City Royals. He has lost four of his last five starts. Cobb took a no-decision against the Tigers last season when he gave up one run in 5 2/3 innings in his lone career start against them.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tigers outfielder Austin Jackson is in the midst of an odd series – he has seven hits and has struck out seven times in 14 at-bats.

2. Rays ace David Price hopes to make his next scheduled start against the New York Yankees on July 4 after leaving Friday’s outing with back stiffness.

3. Detroit first baseman Prince Fielder is 1-for-11 in the series.