Anibal Sanchez (1-2, 7.71 ERA) and the Detroit Tigers (11-4) go up against Masahiro Tanaka (2-1, 3.94 ERA) and the New York Yankees (8-7) in the last of a four-game series at Comerica Park. The Yankees won the last game 13-4 and New York leads the series 2-1. The game starts at 1:08 p.m. ET on Thursday, Apr. 23 and will air on YES, FSN-DET and MLB Network.
In his most recent outing, Sanchez pitched 3.1 innings, allowing nine runs, striking out two and walking two in a 12-3 loss to the White Sox. Miguel Cabrera (.386, 8 Rs, 2 HRs, 10 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one run. The Yankees were victorious the last time Tanaka pitched. He had a good outing, pitching, going 7.0 innings, allowing zero runs and striking out eight in a 9-0 victory over the Rays. Chris Young (.368, 8 Rs, 4 HRs, 9 RBIs) has been hitting the ball well to start the season for the Yankees, going 3 for 6 yesterday with two runs.
Detroit, a -121 favorite, will look to capitalize at home against New York. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is eight runs. The Tigers have a winning record of 7-2 when playing as the favorite and an overall money line of +818. The Tigers rank second in the AL in hits with 10.4 per game. They have been a terror on the base paths, ranking fifth in all of baseball with 13 steals. As for the pitching staff, the Tigers lead the AL in ERA with a 2.59 team average. The Tigers don’t allow many hitters to get on base, ranking fifth in the league with a 1.13 WHIP.
Moving on to the away team, the Yankees come into this game with a win percentage of .500 when playing as the underdog (4-4) and an overall money line of -47. The Yankees are known for their power, smashing a league-leading 21 home runs.
In their previous three games this season, the Yankees have a 2-1 record. This game will feature Tanaka (RHP) on the mound against the Tigers, who have a 4-1 home and 7-2 overall record when they take on a right-handed starter. Taking the hill against the Yankees will be the right-hander Sanchez. They sport a 5-5 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – DET, O/U – Over
Notes
New York has won 50% (4-4) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Detroit has won 67% (6-3) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Tigers managed to give up six walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Yankees who are coming in with a 5-1 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
It looks like the Yankees have a slight leg up on the Tigers, as the Yankees have won their last two games while the Tigers have lost their last two.
When they outhit their opponents, the Tigers are 10-1. The Yankees have a 4-0 record when outhitting opponents.
Both falling in the top five of the league based on total runs this season, Detroit ranks fifth with 76 runs and New York is third with 83.
Detroit and New York both rank in the top five of the league in walks. Detroit sits at fifth with 54 this season and New York ranks second with 64.
The Tigers are 8-2 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Yankees are 6-6 when they hit at least one homer.
