Justin Verlander (2-4, 4.71 ERA) and the Detroit Tigers (18-21) go up against Ricky Nolasco (1-1, 4.87 ERA) and the Minnesota Twins (10-28) in the last of a three-game division series at Comerica Park. The Tigers won the last game 7-2, and Detroit leads the series 2-0. The game starts at 1:10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May. 18 and will air on FSDT and FSN+.
In his most recent outing, Verlander pitched 8.0 innings, giving up one run, striking out eight and walking two in a 1-0 loss to the Orioles. Nick Castellanos (.346, 18 Rs, 8 HRs, 30 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run. The Twins were also unsuccessful the last time Nolasco pitched. He did not do well, pitching 6.0 innings, allowing four runs, striking out three and walking three in a 7-6 loss to the Indians. Miguel Sano (.239, 17 Rs, 7 HRs, 18 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 2 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. The Tigers have a SU record of 4-16 against teams in their division. Detroit has averaged 0.0 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 0.0. Detroit’s pitching staff has put it all together in the past 10 games. Its average runs allowed per game dropped to 0.0 during that span, compared to its 0.0 season average.
Against fellow AL Central members, the Twins are 6-8 SU. Minnesota has been playing better lately, averaging 0.0 runs per game, more than their season average of 0.0. Minnesota’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 0.0 runs per game during the last 10 games, lower than their season average of 0.0.
The Tigers are 5-0 against the Twins this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – DET
Notes
When leading after seven innings, Detroit is 7-10, while Minnesota is 4-12.
The Twins are coming into this game after allowing no walks during their last outing. The Tigers have a 3-3 record when opponents don’t give up any walks.
When they are outhit, the Twins are 3-22. The Tigers have a 4-13 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 19th in home runs, Minnesota has hit 38 this season. Detroit ranks eighth with 48 home runs.
Ranking 18th, Minnesota is in the bottom half of the league in hits, notching 8.16 per game. Detroit ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 8.95.
Ranking 26th, Minnesota is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.689). Detroit ranks in the top half at 11th with an OPS of .744.
When the Twins allow at least one home run, they are 7-21. When the Tigers allow one or more homers, they have an 11-16 record.
