Jack Flaherty is set to take the mound for the Detroit Tigers on March 17, 2024, as they face the Kansas City Royals in the final game of their three-game series. Flaherty’s last performance, where he pitched seven scoreless innings against the Houston Astros, has renewed confidence in his abilities, especially after earlier struggles where he allowed a combined 10 earned runs over just nine innings in his previous two outings.
In his dominant showing against Houston, Flaherty limited the Astros to three hits while striking out nine batters and issuing only one walk. The right-hander successfully navigated a challenging first inning, escaping a bases-loaded situation. Reflecting on his approach, Flaherty stated, “Just continue to execute pitches. It’s the same thing I’ve been preaching on good and bad days. The more you execute, the more things are going to happen.”
Flaherty, 29, has been a significant contributor to the Tigers since joining the team following a trade from the Los Angeles Dodgers last season. He was re-signed during the offseason and currently holds a record of 7-12 with a 4.51 ERA. Throughout the season, he has recorded ten quality starts, although consistency has sometimes eluded him. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch commented on Flaherty’s work ethic, emphasizing that he is a “perfectionist by nature” who is dedicated to improving every aspect of his game.
Flaherty’s Strong Performance Against Royals
Flaherty has a notable track record against the Royals, boasting an impressive 4-0 record with a minuscule 0.72 ERA across 25 innings in four career starts against them. His upcoming matchup will see him face Seth Lugo, the Royals’ right-hander who also comes off a strong performance. Lugo, with a record of 8-6 and a 3.73 ERA, recently held the Texas Rangers to two runs and three hits over 6 1/3 innings.
Lugo, 35, faced his own challenges earlier this season, giving up 13 earned runs over his previous two starts. Nevertheless, he managed to regain his footing, stating, “It’s part of the game. You play long enough that you go through stretches like that.” He made minor adjustments to his pitching mechanics, focusing on maintaining a smoother delivery. “I was working a little too quickly and I was able to correct that,” Lugo explained.
Tigers Extend Winning Streak
The Tigers have claimed victory in the first two games of the series, extending their winning streak to five games. This success has solidified their position at the top of the American League Central Division, with an 11.5-game lead over the second-place Royals.
Kansas City first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino had his franchise-tying record of five consecutive games with a home run snapped during the Tigers’ 4-2 win on Saturday. As the series finale approaches, both teams will look to secure a crucial victory, with Flaherty aiming to continue his momentum against a familiar opponent.