In a game that has the potential for a lot of runs, Martin Perez (1-2, 5.29 ERA) and the Texas Rangers (61-58) are in Detroit to take on Alfredo Simon (10-7, 4.84 ERA) and the Tigers (58-61). This is the first of a four-game series at Comerica Park. Action begins at 7:08 p.m. ET on Thursday, Aug. 20 and can be seen on FSDT and FSSW.
Simon pitched 5.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering four runs, striking out two and walking four in a 5-1 defeat to the Astros. Miguel Cabrera (.354, 49 Rs, 16 HRs, 58 RBIs, 1 SB) had another good game yesterday, going 3 for 5 with two runs and one RBI. Perez went 6.0 innings, surrendering two runs (one unearned), striking out one and walking one in a 5-3 defeat to the Rays in his most recent start. Mitch Moreland (.294, 41 Rs, 18 HRs, 64 RBIs, 1 SB) has been successful at the plate for the Rangers, going 2 for 5 yesterday with two runs, one home run, and three RBIs.
Detroit is a slim -113 favorite at home against Texas. According to the oddsmakers, the Over/Under (O/U) is currently nine runs. The Tigers have an overall money line of -476 and a record as the favorite of 32-26. The Tigers lead the AL in hits with a phenomenal 9.4 per game.
In games where it is the underdog, Texas has a 49-46 record and an overall money line of +1,922. Offensively, they average 4.5 runs per game, which is good for fourth in the AL. The Rangers are tough outs for opponents, ranking fifth in the AL with 8.8 hits per game.
The Tigers have a 15-13 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Perez takes the mound. Simon (RHP) will be on the hill against the Rangers, who have a 40-36 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – Tex, O/U – Over
Notes
When leading after 7 innings, Detroit is 27-27, while Texas is 23-29.
The Rangers are coming into this game after allowing zero walks during their last outing. The Tigers have a 4-5 record when opponents give up that many walks.
When they outhit their opponents, the Tigers are 48-13. The Rangers have a 47-8 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking sixth in runs, Detroit has earned 535 this season. Texas ranks fifth with 537 runs.
Detroit and Texas both rank in the top half of the league in walks. Detroit sits at 15th with 336 this season and Texas ranks 13th with 345.
When the Tigers hit at least one home run, they are 43-29. When the Rangers hit at least one homer, they have a 47-24 record.
