SoCal MLB Preview

LA Dodgers (31-35) at Detroit (29-37), 4:05 pm

DETROIT (Ticker) -- Miguel Cabrera and the Detroit Tigers aim to continue their successful homestand Friday when they host the Los Angeles Dodgers in the opener of a three-game interleague series.

A preseason favorite to contend for the American League pennant, Detroit fell a season-high 12 games under .500 with 4-2 loss to Cleveland seven days ago in the opener of this 10-game homestand. But the Tigers have won five of their last six contests, including a three-game series sweep of the division-leading Chicago White Sox. Cabrera belted the game-winning solo home run in the ninth inning Thursday, lifting Detroit to a 2-1 victory over Chicago.

Looking to build off the momentum from that emotional win, Detroit sends surprising rookie Armando Galarraga (5-2, 3.70 ERA) to the mound Friday. The team leader in wins, Galarraga allowed two runs in 5 2/3 innings of Sunday's 5-2 triumph over Cleveland. The righthander has won three of his last four decisions.

Los Angeles counters with righthander Derek Lowe (4-5, 4.15), who has won each of his last two starts. A Michigan native, Lowe has posted a 1.86 ERA over his last four outings. The Dodgers have lost 14 of their last 20 games, including Thursday's 9-0 loss to the San Diego Padres.