Tigers eager to face right-handed pitching in Game 3

• The Tigers have scored only one run off the Giants' left-handed starters in 14 innings
• The Giants will throw right-handers Ryan Vogelson and Matt Cain in Games 3 and 4
• The Tigers led the major league with a .275 batting avarage against righties this season

DETROIT — As the Detroit Tigers return home for Game 3 of the World Series, they'll find themselves in much more familiar surroundings — and not just because they'll be playing in their own home park.

After losses in the first two games, the Tigers will finally get to face a right-handed starting pitcher in the San Francisco Giants' Ryan Vogelsong.

Against lefties Barry Zito and Madison Bumgarner, the Tigers hitters did their best impression of the team they manhandled in the last round of the playoffs — the New York Yankees — by scoring one run in 14 innings.

"I'm sure that's why they pitched two left-handers in the first two games is because they knew we were a little weaker from that side," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said Friday.

Facing right-handers Vogelsong and Matt Cain might help. During the regular season, the Tigers led the majors with a .275 average against righties, some 22 points higher than they hit against lefties.

In addition, Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera hit 40 of his major league-leading 44 home runs against right-handers.

Why do the Tigers seem to have such trouble with lefties?

"If I knew, brother … we wouldn't struggle," first baseman Prince Fielder joked after Game 1.

Actually, outfielder Delmon Young offered up one possible explanation — the Tigers don't have anyone left-handed to throw batting practice.

"We don't see lefties every day," Young said. "Most people who play baseball are right-handed. Lefties are unique. It doesn't matter what velocity you throw, they always have a job for you as a left-handed pitcher."

Facing Vogelsong in Game 3 — and with the designated hitter now available in an American League park — Leyland will likely have four left-handed hitters in the order.

Catcher Alex Avila and outfielders Andy Dirks and Quinton Berry will join Fielder as Leyland will go with the lineup he used most often against righties down the stretch.

"Berry gives us a different element with a little speed," Leyland said. "Dirks, I actually moved behind Delmon (Young). I think it's a pretty nice fit there.

"It's a bit of a different lineup, but the thing that dictates it normally is the right-handed pitcher."

Perhaps facing a right-hander will also help Fielder get back on track in the cleanup spot.

After hitting 30 homers and driving in 108 runs during the regular season, Fielder has just one hit in six at-bats in the World Series — with every one of his plate appearances coming against left-handed pitchers.