A.J. Griffin (3-0, 2.32 ERA) starts for the Texas Rangers (16-14) as they square off against Mike Pelfrey (0-4, 5.68 ERA) and the Detroit Tigers (14-14) in the second of a three-game series at Comerica Park. The Rangers won the last game 5-1, and Texas leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 1:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, May. 7 and can be seen on FS1.
Pelfrey pitched 4.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering five runs, striking out three and walking three in a 6-5 win over the Twins. Griffin went 6.0 innings, surrendering one run, striking out nine and walking two in a 2-1 win over the Blue Jays in his most recent start. Rougned Odor (.287, 19 Rs, 5 HRs, 19 RBIs, 4 SBs) has been successful at the plate for the Rangers, going 3 for 5 yesterday with one run, one home run, and three RBIs.
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 second in the AL in strikeouts per game with 6.8.
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.
The Rangers have the edge in the season series, 1-0.
Predictions: SU Winner – TEX
Notes
Having scored one run in their last game, the Tigers are going to have to step it up if they want to win this matchup. The Rangers have a 6-0 record in games where opponents scored one run or less.
When they are outhit, the Tigers are 3-10. The Rangers have a 4-11 record when opponents outhit them.
Texas ranks near the bottom of the league at 24th when it comes to home runs, hitting 24 this season. Detroit ranks in the top half with 32.
Ranking 12th, Texas is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.47 per game. Detroit ranks in the top 10 at eighth with 8.89.
Ranking 21st, Texas is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.701). Detroit ranks in the top half with an OPS of .725.
The Rangers are 10-12 when they allow at least one home run. The Tigers perform similarly when they allow one or more homers with a 7-10 record.
