Jordan Zimmermann (7-2, 2.52 ERA) gets the start for the Detroit Tigers (25-28) as they meet Carlos Rodon (2-4, 4.24 ERA) and the Chicago White Sox (29-25) in the first of a three-game series at Comerica Park. The game gets underway at 7:10 p.m. ET on Friday, Jun. 3 and will air on CSCh and FSDT.
In his last start, Zimmermann pitched 5.2 innings, giving up two runs and striking out three in a 9-4 victory over the Rays. Miguel Cabrera (.310, 31 Rs, 12 HRs, 32 RBIs) continued his strong season yesterday, going 3 for 4 with two runs. The White Sox were unsuccessful against the Royals 8-7 the last time Rodon pitched. He went 5.0 innings, allowing one run, striking out three and walking two. Brett Lawrie (.255, 22 Rs, 6 HRs, 21 RBIs, 4 SBs) has been doing well, going 2 for 5 Wednesday.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. Against teams in the AL Central, the Tigers have a SU record of 9-9. The most recent 10-game stretch for the Tigers has gone great. Over that span, Detroit is averaging 0.0 runs per game, well over their season average of 0.0. The most recent 10 game stretch for Detroit’s pitching staff has gone great. Over that span, Detroit’s opponents are averaging 0.0 runs per game, below their season average of 0.0. An area where the Tigers are particularly strong is striking batters out, where they average 7.3 K’s per game.
Against fellow AL Central members, the White Sox are 7-8 SU. During the last 10 games, they averaged 0.0 runs per game, above their 0.0 season average. Chicago’s pitching staff and defense as a whole have been firing on all cylinders so far, ranking fourth in the AL with only 0.0 runs allowed per game.
Predictions: SU Winner – DET
Notes
In their last game, the White Sox won by a margin of one run. The Tigers are 7-7 in one-run games. The White Sox have a 10-11 record in close games.
The Tigers are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The White Sox have a 6-11 record when opponents give up one walk or less.
When they are outhit, the White Sox are 4-20. The Tigers have a 4-18 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 24th in home runs, Chicago has hit 49 this season. Detroit ranks 11th with 67 home runs.
Ranking 17th, Chicago is in the bottom half of the league in hits, notching 8.31 per game. Detroit ranks in the top 10 at eighth with 9.04.
Ranking 23rd, Chicago is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.700). Detroit ranks in the top 10 at ninth with an OPS of .754.
The White Sox are 13-17 when they allow at least one home run. The Tigers perform similarly when they allow one or more homers with a 14-20 record.
