Highlights
Preview
DETROIT (Interstat) — The Philadelphia Phillies and Detroit Tigers play the finale of a three-game series Sunday afternoon at Comerica Park. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m., with the forecast calling for 84-degree temperatures and cloudy skies. The series is tied 1-1 after Philadelphia won Saturday’s game 4-2. That followed Detroit’s 10-2 victory Friday, a game that featured the two starting pitchers who will meet again Sunday. Right-hander Aaron Nola (8-9, 4.12 ERA) takes the mound for the Phillies (52-43). He lasted only five innings in Friday’s loss, allowing three hits and two earned runs while striking out eight. That outing continued an uneven stretch for Nola, who has lost his last four decisions. In his previous start July 5 at Kansas City, he worked seven innings and allowed three earned runs, also a loss. Over his last five starts, Nola has a 5.81 ERA, surrendering 28 hits in 26 1/3 innings. Detroit counters with right-hander Jack Flaherty (7-5, 2.97 ERA), who earned the win Friday. Flaherty threw six innings, limiting Philadelphia to two hits and two runs with six strikeouts. He has been sharp of late, posting a 0.77 ERA over his last two starts, including a 5 2/3-inning shutout outing July 4 at Texas in which he allowed three hits and struck out five. Flaherty has not allowed an earned run in 11 2/3 innings across his past two starts. The Tigers (44-50) have won four of their last five games. Detroit’s offense received a boost Friday from shortstop Kevin McGonigle, who homered and drove in two runs. Center fielder Derek Hill had a productive game for Philadelphia on Friday, going 3 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs. Philadelphia enters the game having won three of its last four. The Phillies, however, have struggled on the road this season, going 24-25 away from Citizens Bank Park. The computer simulation projects a 7-5 victory for the Tigers. Philadelphia is a -1.5 favorite on the run line, and the over/under is set at 7.5 runs. Following Sunday’s game, Philadelphia returns home for a 10-game homestand beginning July 17 against the New York Mets. Detroit travels to Los Angeles for a three-game series against the Angels starting July 17.

