In the first of a three-game series between the Detroit Tigers (2-0) and the New York Yankees (2-1) at Comerica Park, Jordan Zimmermann (13-10, 3.66 ERA) and Luis Severino (5-3, 2.89 ERA) get the ball. The game starts at 1:08 p.m. ET on Friday, Apr. 8 and will air on FSDT and YES.
Zimmermann will get the start after recording 201.2 innings last season, finishing 13-10 with a 3.66 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and 164 strikeouts. Ian Kinsler (.455 ) kept up his strong start Wednesday, going 2 for 5 with one run. Severino will pitch for the Yankees. Last season he pitched 62.1 innings last season, going 5-3 with a 2.89 ERA 1.20 WHIP, and zero strikeouts. Starlin Castro (.583 ) has been successful at the plate to start the season for the Yankees, going 2 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable as of now. The Tigers have no trouble scoring as they rank third in the AL in offense with 0.0 runs per game. The Tigers are a phenomenal hitting team with a .309 team batting average, one of the highest marks in the MLB. They typically aren’t overmatched by pitchers, ranking fifth in the AL with an average of only 11.0 strikeouts per game.
Offensively, they average 0.0 runs per game, which the best in the AL. The Yankees capitalize on their at-bats at a high percentage, ranking .314 in the league with a .314 team batting average. The Yankees are an excellent base-stealing team with an MLB-best four stolen bases. Moving on to New York’s pitching staff, they allow just 1.3 walks per game, good for third in the AL.
Predictions: SU Winner – NYY
Notes
The Tigers managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Yankees who are coming in with a 1-1 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
Ranking seventh in home runs, Detroit has hit five this season. New York ranks third with seven home runs.
Ranking first in hits, Detroit has earned 12.50 per game this season. New York ranks sixth with 11.00 hits.
Both Detroit and New York are tied at first for their on-base plus slugging percentage of .000.
When the Yankees allow at least one home run, they are 2-1. When the Tigers allow one or more homers, they have a 1-0 record.
