Game 78: Pirates at Tigers

Game three of three in Detroit. Pittsburgh aims for the sweep at Comerica Park.
Probables: Francisco Liriano (4-6, 3.21) vs. Kyle Ryan (1-1, 4.56)
Game preview:
http://m.mlb.com/news/article/201507...game_pk=414841
"Liriano, Ryan face off in matinee in Detroit
By Tom Singer / MLB.com | @Tom_Singer | + 0 COMMENTS
The sight of a left-hander probably won't make Neil Walker disappear Thursday afternoon, when the Pirates and Tigers conclude their Interleague Series with a matinee at Comerica Park. The switch-hitting Pittsburgh second baseman has historically been weaker from the right side, and has not started seven of the last nine times a southpaw opposed the Bucs.
That is likely to change Thursday. Walker loves hitting in Comerica Park where he is an over .300 hitter in 10 career games. Not only that, but his game-winning 14th-inning hit Tuesday came off lefty Tom Gorzelanny, giving him three hits in his last four ups against lefties.
In the first half of the season, the Pirates have probably come across more pitchers they had never before faced than left-handers. Thursday, they'll get to see both: Southpaw Kyle Ryan once again steps out of the Tigers' bullpen to make his fourth start of the season; he lost his only decision as a starter and allowed 14 hits in 17 innings. He will be opposed by veteran lefty Francisco Liriano, who is 3-2 with a 2.27 ERA in his last seven starts.
Things to know about this game
• Tigers catcher Alex Avila could be getting closer to returning from the DL (left knee); he is due to DH Thursday as part of his rehab with Triple-A Toledo, then be re-evaluated.
• The Pirates have gone 5-10 in Liriano's starts -- scoring a total of 16 runs behind him in those 10 team losses.
• Liriano is 5-10 lifetime against the Tigers with a 5.59 ERA. The 10 losses are the most against any opponent Liriano has faced in his career
Tom Singer is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog Change for a Nickel. He can also be found on Twitter @Tom_Singer and on his podcast. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs."