Justin Verlander (1-6, 3.86 ERA) and the Detroit Tigers (59-66) meet Hector Santiago (7-7, 2.91 ERA) and the Los Angeles Angels (64-61) in the second of a three-game series at Comerica Park. The Tigers lost the last game 8-7, extending a five-game losing streak. The game starts at 7:08 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Aug. 26 and will air on FSDT, FSW and MLBN.
In his last start, Verlander pitched 7.0 innings, giving up one, striking out eight and walking one in a 2-0 loss to the Rangers. Miguel Cabrera (.371, 54 Rs, 16 HRs, 63 RBIs, 1 SB) played well again yesterday, going 3 for 5 with two runs and three RBIs. The Angels were also unsuccessful the last time Santiago pitched. He tossed 3.2 innings, allowing two runs (two unearned), striking out four and walking four in a 9-2 loss to the Blue Jays. Mike Trout (.297, 81 Rs, 33 HRs, 73 RBIs, 10 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run.
Detroit is a -129 favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at eight runs. The Tigers are 33-28 as the favorite and have an overall money line of -639. The Tigers are a superb hitting team with an AL-best 9.6 hits per game.
On the other side, the Angels have a subpar record of 17-32 when they are the underdog and are -453 overall with the money line. Over the past 10 matchups, they are 3-7 SU and have a poor 0-5 record when they were an underdog to win. They sport the fifth-ranked offense in the AL, averaging four runs per game. The Angels are known for their bats, hitting 332 extra base hits. The Angels average just 7.2 strikeouts per game, one of the lowest marks in the AL. Los Angeles’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 6.5 runs per game during the last 10 games, higher than their season average of 4.0.
The Angels are 5-0 against the Tigers this season. The Tigers will take on a left-hander (Santiago) in this game and have a 17-14 record against left-handed starting pitchers this season. The right-handed Verlander will take the mound against the Angels, who have a 45-46 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – LAA, O/U – Over
Notes
For the 15th time this season, the Angels registered at least two errors in a game.
The Tigers managed to give up five walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Angels who are coming in with a 14-6 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Tigers are 7-44. The Angels have a 15-44 record when opponents outhit them.
Detroit ranks in the top half of the league at 14th when it comes to home runs, hitting 126 this season. Los Angeles ranks in the top 10 at eighth with 135.
Detroit ranks at the top of the league when it comes to hits with 9.56 per game this season. Los Angeles ranks in the top half at 14th with 8.19.
Ranking 23rd, Los Angeles is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.700). Detroit ranks in the top five at second with an OPS of .765.
When the Angels allow at least one home run, they are 32-50, well-matched with the Tigers who are 29-52 when allowing at least one homer.
