Justin Verlander (1-5, 4.11 ERA) and the Detroit Tigers (59-61) meet Colby Lewis (13-5, 4.49 ERA) and the Texas Rangers (61-59) in the second of a four-game series at Comerica Park. The Tigers won the last game 4-0 and Detroit leads the series 1-0. The game gets underway at 7:08 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 21 and will air on FSDT and FSSW.
In his last start, Verlander pitched 7.0 innings, allowing zero runs, striking out seven and walking two in a 4-2 loss to the Astros. Miguel Cabrera (.358, 51 Rs, 16 HRs, 59 RBIs, 1 SB) played well again yesterday, going 2 for 2 with two runs and one RBI. The Rangers were victorious over the Rays 12-4 the last time Lewis pitched. He went 6.0 innings, allowing one run, striking out four and walking two.
Detroit is a -125 favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is eight runs. When playing as the favorite, the Tigers have a 32-26 record and overall money line at -308. The Tigers come into the game with the fifth-ranked scoring offense in the AL, averaging 4.5 runs per game. The Tigers are a superb hitting team with an AL-best 9.6 hits per game.
On the other side, the Rangers have a record of 49-46 when they are the underdog and are +1,922 overall with the money line. They sport the fourth-ranked offense in the AL, averaging 4.5 runs per game. One of the top hitting teams in the AL are the Rangers, who average 8.8 hits per game.
So far this season, the Tigers are 1-0 against the Rangers. The Tigers will take on a right-hander (Lewis) in this game and have a 42-48 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. The right-handed Verlander will take the mound against the Rangers, who have a 40-36 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – Det, O/U – Over
Notes
Detroit recorded at least two errors for the 11th time this season.
The Tigers are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Rangers have a 22-34 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Tigers are 7-44. The Rangers have a 12-46 record when opponents outhit them.
Detroit ranks in the top half of the league at 11th when it comes to home runs, hitting 122 this season. Texas ranks in the top 10 at 10th with 126.
Detroit ranks at the top of the league when it comes to hits with 9.59 per game this season. Texas ranks in the top five at fifth with 8.78.
Ranking 10th, Texas is in the top 10 of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.730). Detroit ranks in the top five at second with an OPS of .765.
The Rangers are 32-45 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Tigers are 29-48 when they allow at least one homer.
