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Tigers send ace Verlander to hill vs. Mariners

Apr 27, 2011 - 2:52 PM (Sports Network) - Justin Verlander tries to get the Detroit Tigers back into the win column this evening when they continue their three-game series with the Seattle Mariners at Comerica Park.

The Tigers had their four-game winning streak stopped in the opener of this set on Tuesday, as Chone Figgins brought in two runs on a triple during the Mariners' four-run fifth inning, helping Seattle to a 7-3 win.

Miguel Olivo belted his first home run of the season and Justin Smoak added a two-run homer in his return from a week on the bereavement list for the Mariners, who halted a two-game losing streak.

Reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Felix Hernandez (3-2) looked good in a six- inning outing where he have up three runs -- two earned-- on four hits and struck out four to get the win for Seattle.

"I didn't have a good feel on my breaking ball today," Hernandez said. "I was throwing a good sinker, though. I did throw good pitches and gave up just three runs. That's a good start."

Brandon Inge drove in two runs for the Tigers, while Phil Coke (1-4) was roughed up for seven runs on eight hits in just 4 1/3 innings to get the loss for the home team.

Detroit, though, has a good chance at starting a new streak this evening when it sends ace right-hander Verlander to the hill. Verlander snapped a personal two-game losing streak his last time out on Friday against Chicago, as he allowed three runs and four hits in seven innings to improve to 2-2 to go along with a 3.50 ERA.

Verlander has faced the Mariners 12 times and is 7-5 against them with a 3.47 ERA.

Seattle, meanwhile, will counter with Erik Bedard, who is still searching for his first win after sitting out most of the last two years recovering from shoulder surgeries. Bedard lost his fourth game in as many starts last Wednesday against the Tigers, who reached him for three runs and five hits in five innings. He actually saw his ERA drop to 7.71 in the loss, but he walked five batters.

"I feel like with each outing with Erik, certain things are happening which will continue to allow him to progress," said Mariners manager Eric Wedge. "It's not always in the line. It's more about what we're seeing and what he's feeling and what he's working through.

Bedard is just 1-3 lifetime against the Tigers with a 5.06 ERA in five starts.

Detroit took two of three from the Mariners last week.