Daniel Norris (2-2, 3.63 ERA) and the Detroit Tigers (70-61) go up against Anthony Ranaudo (1-1, 9.61 ERA) and the Chicago White Sox (63-67) in the second of a three-game division series at Comerica Park. The Tigers won the last game 4-3, and Detroit leads the series 1-0. The game gets underway at 7:10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 30 and will air on CSCh and FSDT.
In his last start, Norris pitched 6.1 innings, giving up two runs and striking out five in an 8-5 victory over the Twins. J.D. Martinez (.316, 55 Rs, 18 HRs, 52 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one run. The White Sox were also victorious the last time Ranaudo pitched. He did not do well, pitching 5.1 innings, allowing six runs, striking out four and walking two in a 7-6 victory over the Mariners. Jose Abreu (.287, 51 Rs, 18 HRs, 73 RBIs) has been hitting the ball well, going 2 for 4 yesterday.
Detroit is a heavy -210 favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is 10 runs. The Tigers have a winning record of 37-18 when playing as the favorite and an overall money line of +1,264. They are 5-2 as the favorite over their last 10 games. Detroit’s pitchers struggle within their division. The Tigers have given up an average of 5.0 runs to intra-division opponents, well over their defense’s season average of 4.5. The Tigers are fifth in the AL in walks allowed with just 2.8 per game.
On the other side, the White Sox have a record of 28-41 when they are the underdog and are -356 overall with the money line. Against fellow AL Central members, they are 20-30 SU and have played poorly as the underdog with a 5-18 record.
The Tigers have mostly come out on top against the White Sox in their previous 14 games this season, earning a 9-5 record. This game will feature Ranaudo (RHP) on the mound against the Tigers, who have a 52-40 record when they take on a right-handed starter. The left-handed Norris will take the mound against the White Sox, who have a 15-12 record against lefty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – DET, O/U – Over
Notes
The White Sox lost their last game by a one-run margin. In games decided by one run, the Tigers are 21-15. The White Sox are 21-25 in close games this season.
The Tigers managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the White Sox who are coming in with a 31-14 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the White Sox are 10-49. The Tigers have an 11-44 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 24th in home runs, Chicago has hit 131 this season. Detroit ranks seventh with 172 home runs.
Ranking 10th, Chicago is in the top 10 of the league in hits, notching 8.62 per game. Detroit ranks in the top five at second with 9.12.
Ranking 25th, Chicago is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.720). Detroit ranks in the top 10 at seventh with an OPS of .765.
When the White Sox allow at least one home run, they are 38-46, well-matched with the Tigers who are 38-44 when allowing at least one homer.
