Jordan Zimmermann (5-0, 0.55 ERA) and the Detroit Tigers (14-13) square off against Cole Hamels (3-0, 3.30 ERA) and the Texas Rangers (15-14) in a game that has the potential to be low scoring. This is the first of a three-game series at Comerica Park. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Friday, May. 6 and can be seen on FSDT and FSSW.
Zimmermann pitched 7.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering one run and striking out seven in a 4-1 win over the Twins. Nick Castellanos (.383, 13 Rs, 5 HRs, 22 RBIs, 1 SB) had another good game yesterday, going 2 for 4 with two runs, one home run, and three RBIs. Hamels went 5.0 innings, surrendering four runs, striking out four and walking four in a 9-6 defeat to the Angels in his most recent start. Nomar Mazara (.333, 12 Rs, 3 HRs, 9 RBIs) has been successful at the plate for the Rangers, going 2 for 4 yesterday.
The odds for Detroit and Texas are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently not available. The Tigers have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 0.0 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 0.0 runs per game. Detroit’s pitching staff has been doing better against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, only allowing an average of 0.0 runs per game, well under their season average of 0.0. Opponents have consistently been struck out by the Tigers, who rank third in the AL in strikeouts per game with 6.9.
Offensively, the Rangers have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 0.0 runs per game by averaging 0.0 during that stretch. The Rangers allow 0.0 runs per game, but have improved upon those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 0.0 runs per game during that span.
Predictions: SU Winner – DET
Notes
After a weak showing last week where they got in five hits, the Tigers need to step it up. The Rangers have a record of 3-0 when opponents get five hits or less.
When they are outhit, the Tigers are 3-9. The Rangers have a 4-11 record when opponents outhit them.
Texas ranks near the bottom of the league at 25th when it comes to home runs, hitting 23 this season. Detroit ranks in the top half with 32.
Ranking 12th, Texas is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.41 per game. Detroit ranks in the top 10 at seventh with 9.15.
Ranking 19th, Texas is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.699). Detroit ranks in the top half at 14th with an OPS of .740.
When the Rangers allow at least one home run, they are 10-12, well-matched with the Tigers who are 7-9 when allowing at least one homer.
