Thu Apr 24 10:27:57 2008

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Detroit sends Bonderman to the hill versus Rangers

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(Sports Network) - Former first-round draft pick Jeremy Bonderman looks for a third career win against the Texas Rangers today when the Detroit Tigers host the finale of a three-game series at Comerica Park.

Bonderman, the 26th pick in the 2001 draft, is 2-1 in five lifetime starts against the Rangers, allowing 38 hits and 17 earned runs in 31 2/3 innings, along with 13 walks and 26 strikeouts.

He's gotten a win, a no-decision and a loss in his last three starts this season, most recently dropping a 3-2 verdict to Toronto on April 19 at Rogers Centre.

Overall, in 22 2/3 innings this season, Bonderman has given up 26 hits and 11 earned runs, while walking 14 and striking out 10.

For Texas, right-hander Scott Feldman makes the second start of his major- league career.

The 25-year-old Hawaiian had made 73 relief appearances prior to starting and getting a no-decision in an April 13 game against Toronto, in which he allowed eight hits and three runs in six innings.

He's getting another shot due to an injury to teammate Kason Gabbard, who slipped on the mound in Boston on Monday and was subsequently placed on the 15-day disabled list with a stiff back.

Feldman, a 30th-round pick of the Rangers in 2003, has faced the Tigers four times in relief, allowing 11 hits and six runs in seven innings.

On Wednesday, Carlos Guillen finished 3-for-4 with five RBI, including three during an 11-run sixth inning, as the Tigers crushed the Rangers, 19-6.

Miguel Cabrera slugged a three-run homer for the Tigers, who have won three in a row. Only one Detroit starter, Edgar Renteria, failed to record an RBI.

The Tigers recalled outfielder Curtis Granderson from his rehab assignment and activated him from the disabled list. Granderson, who had been out with a fractured right hand, made his season debut by starting in center field and batting in the leadoff spot. He had two hits, two RBI and scored three times.

Detroit starter Kenny Rogers was roughed up for six runs on nine hits in 3 1/3 innings. Clay Rapada (2-0) earned the win by pitching 1 2/3 frames of perfect ball.

Ian Kinsler went 2-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored for Texas, which has dropped six in a row. Michael Young and Josh Hamilton each had an RBI in defeat, as the Rangers blew a 5-0 lead.

Luis Mendoza started, but gave up five runs -- two earned -- on five hits in only 1 2/3 innings. Frank Francisco (0-1) absorbed the loss by getting touched for two runs on two hits in 2 1/3 frames on the hill. Also, Jamey Wright and Wes Littleton combined to surrender 11 runs in two innings.

Detroit won five of its nine meetings a year ago with the Rangers and holds a 16-11 edge in the series since the start of the 2005 campaign. However, Texas has won seven of its last 14 in the Motor City.