The Tigers and White Sox are the top two teams in the AL Central standings heading into their three-game series this weekend, as both will send out their respective ace to the mound at Comerica Park. Let’s find out which team you should pick in his fantastic matchup.
Detroit Rock City
The Detroit Tigers are
a Major League-best 13-5 since June 28 and are coming off a four-game series
win over the Los Angeles Angels, including a 5-1 home victory on Thursday
afternoon. The club hasn’t lost a series since June 25-27 in Texas and
has the chance to sit atop the division standings by the end of the
weekend. The Chicago White Sox were unable to hold onto a ninth-inning
lead last night in Boston, but still own a 1.5-game lead over tonight’s
opponent.
Pitching Matchup
A pair of All-Stars face
off tonight, as Jake Peavy and Justin Verlander go head to head.
White Sox starting
pitcher Jake Peavy (7-6, 3.12 ERA) has dropped five of his last six decisions,
while the offense has provided him just 2.54 runs per game over his last eight
trips to the mound. The right-hander is 3-4 with a 2.95 ERA in nine road
outings, issuing 11 walks and striking out 57 batters in 64 combined
frames. In eight career games versus the Tigers, Peavy has registered a
3-2 record and 4.26 ERA, including a 1-1 mark and 2.49 ERA in three appearances
at this ballpark.
Justin Verlander (10-5,
2.43 ERA) earned a 4-0 road victory over the Baltimore Orioles in his last
effort, allowing just three hits over eight shutout innings. The
right-hander is 4-2 with a 1.61 ERA in eight home starts, with opposing hitters
batting just .164 against him. Verlander will be facing the White Sox for
the 26th time in his career, posting a 12-10 record and 4.13 ERA, including a
10-1 mark and 2.33 ERA over his last 11 outings in the series.
Youkilis adds a new
dynamic to the rivalry
White Sox third baseman
Kevin Youkilis is hitting .362 with four home runs and 14 RBIs in his first 12
games with the club, but sat out the series finale against his former club on
Thursday night. The 33-year-old has seven hits in 26 career at-bats
(.269) against Verlander, which includes a pair of round trippers.
Tigers are one of the
best in this situation
Sports bettors will
want to monitor the MLB odds page closely leading into the first pitch of this
contest at 7:05 p.m. ET, as the Tigers are a dominating 25-8 as a home favorite
of -175 to -200 since the 2010 campaign. The White Sox are certainly
capable with Peavy on the mound, but have dropped four of his last five outings
as an underdog.
Prediction
Both bullpens will
need to be ready, as both starters are capable of matching each other deep into this contest. Detroit holds an edge in his category, with its
relievers posting a 2.57 ERA over its last 56 games, while Chicago’s unit has
fallen flat over the last 10 (6.28 ERA). I suggest picking the Tigers in
this situational spot, moving their record to 22-6 in Verlander’s last 28 home
starts as a favorite of -151 to -200.
MLB Pick: Detroit
Tigers -176