The San Francisco Giants face off against the Detroit Tigers in Game 1 of the World Series on Wednesday night. Ace Justin Verlander (17-8, 2.64 ERA) will take the mound for the Tigers while veteran lefty Barry Zito (15-8, 4.16 ERA) gets the call for the Giants.

Considered by most to be the best pitcher in the MLB today, Verlander clearly has the advantage in the fall classic pitching matchup. However, Zito did step up big in his outing against the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 5 of the NLCS throwing 7 2/3 scoreless innings and striking out six. Verlander performed well himself against the New York Yankees in Game 2 of the ALCS tossing 8 1/3 innings while only giving up a run.

Although San Francisco and Detroit didn't go against each other this season, Zito has pitched against the Tigers 16 times in his career compiling a 8-6 record with a 2.91 ERA as a member of the Oakland A's. However, there are only five batters in the Detroit lineup that have over ten plate appearances against the southpaw; Omar Infante (3-for-20), Prince Fielder (3-for-18, HR), Jhonny Peralta (3-for-14, HR) and Gerald Laird (3-for-15, 2 doubles).

Verlander only has one lifetime start against the Giants, which was on June 16, 2008 at AT & T Park. San Francisco has just seven current players who have stepped up to the plate against the flame thrower in non-exhibition play. Second baseman Marco Scutaro has seen the righty the most going 5-for-26, which includes a double and triple. Giants' third baseman Pablo Sandoval did connect for a bases-loaded triple off of Verlander in this year's All-Star game while catcher Buster Posey drew a walk in the same game.

CLICK HERE to watch the Detroit Tigers go head-to-head with the San Francisco Giants in Game 1 of the MLB World Series. Coverage will begin at 5 p.m. PST.

Tags
Mlb, Television