The Detroit Tigers aim to avoid a sweep against the New York Mets on Thursday afternoon after a narrow loss in extra innings. Keider Montero, the Tigers' No. 2 starter, will pitch against the Mets for the first time.
The Detroit Tigers let one get away on Wednesday after the offense once again struggled to get things going, spoiling a strong performance by the pitching staff. Alas, two runs were not going to get the job done that night, as the New York Mets used a seventh-inning run to tie the game and ultimately force extra innings.
The Tigers would end up losing, 3-2, in the 10th inning.
Detroit can still prevent a sweep on Thursday afternoon behind the current de facto No. 2 starter on the pitching staff, right-hander Keider Montero, who has more than filled in the shoes left vacant by an ailing Justin Verlander. The 25-year-old has turned in two straight quality starts, over which he put up a 1.42 ERA and 3.91 FIP over 12 2/3 innings with a win to show for.
Montero is meeting the Mets for the first time on Thursday.
Going up against him is young phenom right-hander Nolan McLean, who has given his team a healthy serving of much-needed quality innings so far this season. The 24-year-old has given up at least one run in all eight of his starts, but consistently puts up robust strikeout numbers while not walking more than two in any of his appearances.
McLean has faced the Tigers once before — last year on Sept. 2 in Detroit, when he threw a quality start by allowing two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out seven over six innings for the win.
Take a look below at how the battle on the mound shakes out for Thursday afternoon’s matinee.
The Tigers lost to the Mets 3-2 in the 10th inning.
Keider Montero will be the starting pitcher for the Tigers.
Montero has delivered two consecutive quality starts with a 1.42 ERA over 12 2/3 innings.
Jannik Sinner sets new record for consecutive Masters 1000 wins!
Eminem and 50 Cent's Courtside Reunion at Cavaliers vs. Pistons Game Stuns Fans!

Celtic's penalty sparks debate: worst VAR decision ever?
Rory McIlroy's toe injury could impact his performance at the PGA Championship this week.
Arsenal are targeting West Ham's Mateus Fernandes for a summer transfer.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Time (ET): 1:10 p.m.
Place: Citi Field, Queens, New York
SB Nation Site: Amazin’ Avenue
Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network
Game 44: RHP Keider Montero (2-2, 3.18 ERA) vs. RHP Nolan McLean (1-2, 2.78 ERA)
| Player | G | IP | K% | BB% | GB% | FIP | fWAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montero | 7 | 39.2 | 18.7 | 5.2 | 30.8 | 3.24 | 1.0 |
| McLean | 8 | 45.1 | 32.6 | 6.9 | 46.2 | 2.39 | 1.5 |
MONTERO
McLEAN