Colby Lewis (17-8, 4.36 ERA) and Justin Verlander (4-8, 3.49 ERA) are on the hill in the first of a three-game series between the Texas Rangers (84-71) and the Detroit Tigers (72-83) at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Action begins at 8:05 p.m. ET on Monday, Sep. 28 and can be seen on FSDT and FSSW.
Lewis pitched 6.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering two runs, striking out three and walking two in a 10-3 win over the Athletics. Rougned Odor (.269, 52 Rs, 15 HRs, 58 RBIs, 5 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one run. Verlander went 7.0 innings, surrendering three runs, striking out eight and walking three in a 7-4 win over the White Sox in his last outing. Yoenis Cespedes (.293, 100 Rs, 35 HRs, 105 RBIs, 7 SBs) went 1 for 5 yesterday.
Texas is a -126 favorite against Detroit and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at eight runs. The Rangers have recorded an overall money line of +3,044 and have shown high-level performance as a favorite this season with a record of 25-16. The Rangers have no trouble scoring as they rank fourth in the AL in offense with 4.6 runs per game. The Rangers are one of the best in the AL in terms of hits with a phenomenal 8.8 per game. Texas is one of the best in the AL in terms of walks, earning an average of 3.1 per game.
In games where it is the underdog, Detroit has a 35-52 record and an overall money line of -769. Offensively, they average four runs per game on the road, which is third in the AL. The Tigers capitalize on their at-bats at a high percentage, leading the league with a .271 team batting average.
The Rangers lead the season series, 3-1. The Rangers have a 53-42 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Verlander takes the mound. Lewis (RHP) will be on the hill against the Tigers, who have a 52-67 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – Tex, O/U – Over
Notes
The Rangers are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Tigers have a 12-29 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Tigers are 8-58. The Rangers have an 18-54 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 17th in home runs, Detroit has hit 146 this season. Texas ranks 13th with 162 home runs.
Ranking first in hits, Detroit has earned 9.44 per game this season. Texas ranks fifth with 8.79 hits.
Ranking 10th, Texas is in the top 10 of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.739). Detroit ranks in the top five at third with an OPS of .749.
The Tigers are 35-66 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Rangers are 42-54 when they allow at least one homer.
