In a game that has the potential for a lot of runs, Wade Miley (8-9, 4.55 ERA) and the Boston Red Sox (49-61) are in Detroit to square off against Alfredo Simon (10-6, 4.55 ERA) and the Tigers (53-56). This is the second of a three-game series at Comerica Park. The Red Sox won the last game 7-2 and Boston leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 7:08 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 8 and can be seen on NESN and FSDT.
Simon pitched 5.2 innings in his last outing, surrendering four runs, striking out one and walking three in a 9-8 win over the Orioles. Miguel Cabrera (.350, 43 Rs, 15 HRs, 54 RBIs, 1 SB) had another good game yesterday, going 2 for 2 with one RBI. Miley went 6.2 innings, surrendering two runs, striking out four and walking one in a 4-3 defeat to the Rays in his most recent start. Hanley Ramirez (.262, 56 Rs, 19 HRs, 53 RBIs, 6 SBs) has been successful at the plate, going 2 for 4 yesterday with two RBIs.
Detroit is a slim -107 favorite at home against Boston. The Over/Under (O/U) is sitting at eight runs for this matchup. The Tigers have an overall money line of -473 and a record as the favorite of 31-25. The Tigers have no trouble scoring as they rank fifth in the AL in offense with 4.4 runs per game. The Tigers lead the AL in hits with an impressive 9.6 per game.
In games where it is the underdog, Boston has a 19-26 record and an overall money line of -1,870. The Red Sox are tough outs for opponents, ranking fifth in the AL with 8.8 hits per game. Boston is excellent at drawing walks with 3.0 per road game, ranking fourth in the AL.
The Red Sox lead the season series, 3-1. The Tigers have a 14-11 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Miley takes the mound. Simon (RHP) will be on the hill against the Red Sox, who have a 37-43 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – Det, O/U – Over
Notes
The Tigers are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Red Sox have a 21-33 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Tigers are 7-40. The Red Sox have a 10-50 record when opponents outhit them.
Detroit and Boston both rank in the top half of the league in home runs. Detroit sits at 11th with 110 home runs this season and Boston ranks 14th with 99.
Detroit ranks at the top of the league when it comes to hits with 9.55 per game this season. Boston ranks in the top five at fifth with 8.78.
Ranking 14th, Boston is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.713). Detroit ranks in the top five at fourth with an OPS of .764.
The Red Sox are 22-51 when they allow at least one home run. The Tigers perform similarly when they allow one or more homers with a 25-45 record.
