Justin Verlander (14-7, 3.33 ERA) and Chris Sale (15-7, 3.14 ERA) start in the last of a three-game series between the Detroit Tigers (71-61) and the Chicago White Sox (63-68) at Comerica Park. The Tigers won the last game 8-4, and Detroit leads the series 2-0. Action begins at 1:10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Aug. 31 and can be seen on CSCh and FSDT.
Verlander pitched 7.2 innings in his last outing, surrendering two runs, striking out eight and walking one in a 4-2 win over the Angels. J.D. Martinez (.322, 57 Rs, 19 HRs, 53 RBIs, 1 SB) continued his strong play yesterday, going 3 for 3 with two runs, one home run, and one RBI. Sale went 9.0 innings, surrendering three runs and striking out 14 in a 3-1 defeat to the Mariners in his most recent start. Todd Frazier (.214, 69 Rs, 33 HRs, 83 RBIs, 10 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and two RBIs.
Detroit is a -119 favorite against Chicago and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at seven runs. The Tigers have recorded an overall money line of +1,264 and have shown high-level performance as a favorite this season with a record of 37-18. Detroit is an impressive 5-2 as the favorite over its last 10 games. Detroit’s pitchers fall apart when division rivals are on the field. Its average runs allowed per game rises to 5.0 against fellow AL Central members, compared to its 4.5 season average. The Tigers are the fifth-best team in the AL at limiting walks to their opponents, allowing only 2.8 walks per game so far this season.
In games where it is the underdog, Chicago has a 28-41 record and an overall money line of -356. They have played poorly as the underdog with a 5-18 record against AL Central opponents, and a 6-4 record SU.
The Tigers lead the season series, 10-5. The Tigers have an 18-21 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Sale takes the mound. Verlander (RHP) will be on the hill against the White Sox, who have a 48-55 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – DET, O/U – Over
Notes
Chicago recorded at least two errors for the 16th time this season.
The Detroit batters brought in a solid 11 hits last game. Chicago has a record of 9-33 when their opponents get that many hits or more.
It looks like the Tigers have a slight leg up on the White Sox, as the Tigers have won their last two games while the White Sox have lost their last two.
When they outhit their opponents, the White Sox are 45-13. The Tigers have a 55-11 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 25th, Chicago sits near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 533 this season. Detroit ranks in the top 10 with 611.
Ranking 24th, Chicago is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 370 this season. Detroit ranks in the bottom half at 17th with 392.
The Tigers are 58-36 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The White Sox are 46-40 when they hit at least one homer.
