Justin Verlander (12-7, 3.44 ERA) and Eduardo Rodriguez (2-5, 5.11 ERA) are on the hill in the last of a four-game series between the Detroit Tigers (64-59) and the Boston Red Sox (69-53) at Comerica Park. The Red Sox won the last game 3-2, and Boston leads the series 2-1. Action begins at 1:10 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 21 and can be seen on NESN, FSDT and TBS.
Verlander pitched 7.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering five runs (two unearned), striking out six and walking one in a 6-1 defeat to the Royals. J.D. Martinez (.317, 48 Rs, 18 HRs, 48 RBIs, 1 SB) had another good game yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one run, one home run, and one RBI. Rodriguez went 4.0 innings, surrendering zero runs, striking out seven and walking two in a 5-3 win over the Orioles in his last outing. David Ortiz (.319, 60 Rs, 29 HRs, 97 RBIs, 2 SBs) has been successful at the plate for the Red Sox, going 3 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and two RBIs.
Detroit is a -137 favorite against Boston and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at nine runs. The Tigers have recorded an overall money line of +1,026 and have shown high-level performance as a favorite this season with a record of 32-16. Detroit is a disappointing 1-4 as the favorite over its last 10 games. The Tigers have seen a decline in scoring as of late, averaging 2.6 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 4.5 runs per game.
In games where it is the underdog, Boston has a 17-16 record and an overall money line of -51. Offensively, they average 5.5 runs per game, which the best in the AL. The Red Sox are tough outs for opponents, leading the AL with 10.0 hits per game. Boston is excellent at making contact with just 7.0 strikeouts per game, ranking third in the AL. The Red Sox allow 4.5 runs per game, but have improved upon those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 2.7 runs per game during that span.
The Tigers lead the season series, 4-2. The Tigers have a 17-19 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Rodriguez takes the mound. Verlander (RHP) will be on the hill against the Red Sox, who have a 54-39 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – BOS, O/U – Over
Notes
When leading after seven innings, Boston is 34-24, while Detroit is 31-27.
The Red Sox are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Tigers have a 23-37 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they are outhit, the Red Sox are 7-33. The Tigers have a 10-43 record when opponents outhit them.
Both falling in the top 10 of the league based on total home runs this season, Detroit ranks eighth with 160 homers and Boston is 10th with 158.
Ranking first in hits, Boston has earned 10.01 per game this season. Detroit ranks third with 9.09 hits.
Ranking first in on-base plus slugging percentage, Boston has an OPS of .822 this season. Detroit ranks 10th with an OPS of .758.
When the Red Sox allow at least one home run, they are 41-43, well-matched with the Tigers who are 33-42 when allowing at least one homer.
