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Tigers seek back-to-back wins

May 21, 2008 - 12:56 PM Seattle (18-28) at Detroit (18-27) 7:05 pm EDT

DETROIT (Ticker) - The disappointing Detroit Tigers continue a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday, hoping to push closer to the .500 mark.

In the series opener Tuesday, ace Justin Verlander dazzled through six innings while Detroit's offense pounded out 17 hits en route to a 12-8 victory.

Predicted by many to be one of the American League's elite clubs, Detroit has been a major disappointment as they are tied for the fewest wins in the league.

"Hopefully, we can take off from here," said Detroit shortstop Edgar Renteria, who hit one of the Tigers' four homers in the win.

Detroit starter Kenny Rogers (3-4, 6.65 ERA) was tagged in his last start, allowing season highs in runs (7) and hits (11) over four innings of an 8-4 setback at Kansas City last Thursday.

The veteran lefthander owns a 10-12 record with a 4.52 ERA over 52 career appearances against the Mariners, who have collected nine earned runs through 12 innings vs. Rogers since he joined the Tigers in 2006.

Seattle hands the ball to Jarrod Washburn (2-5, 5.56), who also is looking to rebound from a horrific start. On May 10, Washburn surrendered seven runs in just five innings of an 8-4 loss to the Chicago White Sox.

The 33-year-old southpaw hasn't fared well when facing the Tigers, going just 4-7 with a 4.56 ERA in 13 starts.