Josh Tomlin (3-0, 3.18 ERA) and Justin Verlander (2-2, 5.46 ERA) are on the hill in the first of a three-game series between the Cleveland Indians (10-12) and the Detroit Tigers (14-10) at Progressive Field. The Tigers come into this series riding a five-game winning streak. Action begins at 6:10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May. 3 and can be seen on STOh and FSDT.
Tomlin pitched 5.1 innings in his last outing, surrendering five runs (one unearned), striking out one and walking one in a 6-5 win over the Twins. Carlos Santana (.244, 11 Rs, 4 HRs, 12 RBIs, 2 SBs) went 1 for 3 Sunday with one run, one home run, and one RBI. Verlander went 6.1 innings, surrendering three runs, striking out six and walking two in a 9-4 win over the Athletics in his most recent start. Victor Martinez (.350, 14 Rs, 5 HRs, 18 RBIs) has been successful at the plate for the Tigers, going 3 for 4 Sunday with two runs.
Notes
The Tigers won their last game by a one-run margin. In games decided by one run, the Indians are 4-7. The Tigers are 3-3 in close games this season.
Having scored one run in their last game, the Indians are going to have to step it up if they want to win this matchup. The Tigers have a 2-1 record in games where opponents scored one run or less.
It looks like the Tigers have a slight leg up on the Indians, as the Tigers have won their last five games while the Indians have lost their last three.
When they outhit their opponents, the Indians are 8-3. The Tigers have an 11-1 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 21st in runs, Cleveland has earned 92 this season. Detroit ranks eighth with 115 runs.
Ranking 21st, Cleveland is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.700). Detroit ranks in the top half at 12th with an OPS of .759.
The Tigers are 7-7 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Indians are 6-9 when they allow at least one homer.
