Anibal Sanchez (2-1, 4.60 ERA) and Corey Kluber (0-3, 6.16 ERA) start in the second of a three-game series between the Detroit Tigers (8-7) and the Cleveland Indians (7-7) at Comerica Park. The Indians won the last game 2-1, and Cleveland leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 1:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, Apr. 23 and can be seen on STOh and FSDT.
Sanchez pitched 5.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering five runs (one unearned), striking out eight and walking two in a 5-4 defeat to the Astros. Ian Kinsler (.358, 14 Rs, 4 HRs, 12 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run. Kluber went 6.0 innings, surrendering six runs, striking out eight and walking one in a 6-0 defeat to the Mets in his last outing. Marlon Byrd (.250, 4 Rs, 2 HRs, 5 RBIs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
The odds for Detroit and Cleveland are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable as of now. Within its division, Detroit has a record of 1-1 SU. The Tigers have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 0.0 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 0.0 runs per game. The Tigers are one of the best in the AL in terms of hits with a phenomenal 9.7 per game. Detroit’s pitching staff has been doing better against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, only allowing an average of 0.0 runs per game, well under their season average of 0.0. Opponents have consistently been struck out by the Tigers, who lead the AL in strikeouts per home game with 5.8.
Offensively, the Indians have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 0.0 runs per game by averaging 0.0 during that stretch. The Indians allow 0.0 runs per game, but have improved upon those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 0.0 runs per game during that span.
The Indians have the edge in the season series, 1-0.
Predictions: SU Winner – DET
Notes
The Indians won their last game by a one-run margin. In games decided by one run, the Tigers are 2-3. The Indians are 3-2 in close games this season.
Having scored one run in their last game, the Tigers are going to have to step it up if they want to win this matchup. The Indians have a 4-0 record in games where opponents scored one run or less.
When they are outhit, the Indians are 1-4. The Tigers have a 2-5 record when opponents outhit them.
Cleveland ranks in the bottom half of the league at 20th when it comes to home runs, hitting 14 this season. Detroit ranks in the top half with 18.
Ranking 19th, Cleveland is in the bottom half of the league in hits, notching 7.92 per game. Detroit ranks in the top five at second with 9.71.
Ranking first in on-base plus slugging percentage, Detroit has an OPS of .000 this season. Cleveland ranks 22nd with an OPS of .681.
The Indians are 4-5 when they allow at least one home run. Detroit has the same record when allowing one or more homers.
