Justin Verlander (13-7, 3.38 ERA) and Ricky Nolasco (4-11, 5.22 ERA) are on the hill in the first of a three-game series between the Detroit Tigers (68-59) and the Los Angeles Angels (54-73) at Comerica Park. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 26 and can be seen on FSDT and FSW.
Verlander pitched 6.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering one run, striking out five and walking one in a 10-5 win over the Red Sox. Nolasco went 6.1 innings, surrendering five runs and striking out five in a 5-1 defeat to the Yankees in his last outing. Mike Trout (.316, 97 Rs, 24 HRs, 82 RBIs, 21 SBs) has been successful at the plate for the Angels, going 3 for 4 yesterday with one run and four RBIs.
This one isn’t expected to be close when Detroit, a big -210 favorite, takes on Los Angeles. According to the oddsmakers, the Over/Under (O/U) is currently nine runs. The Tigers have recorded an overall money line of +1,426 and have shown high-level performance as a favorite this season with a record of 35-16. The Tigers are one of the best in the AL in terms of hits with an impressive 9.2 per game.
Over in the other dugout, Los Angeles is coming in with an overall money line of -2,011 and a disappointing record of 27-49 as the underdog. Los Angeles is excellent at making contact with an AL-low 6.0 per game.
The Angels lead the season series, 2-1. The Tigers have a 50-40 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Nolasco takes the mound. Verlander (RHP) will be on the hill against the Angels, who have a 37-56 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – DET, O/U – Over
Notes
The Tigers are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Angels have a 4-25 record when opponents give up one walk or less.
When they are outhit, the Angels are 7-57. The Tigers have a 10-43 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 25th in home runs, Los Angeles has hit 121 this season. Detroit ranks sixth with 167 home runs.
Ranking seventh, Los Angeles is in the top 10 of the league in hits, notching 8.87 per game. Detroit ranks in the top five at second with 9.15.
Ranking 18th, Los Angeles is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.733). Detroit ranks in the top 10 at seventh with an OPS of .766.
When the Angels allow at least one home run, they are 29-59. When the Tigers allow one or more homers, they have a 36-42 record.
