Sonny Gray (3-1, 2.73 ERA) takes the hill for the Oakland Athletics (11-10) as they square off against Justin Verlander (1-2, 5.79 ERA) and the Detroit Tigers (9-10) in the third of a four-game series at Comerica Park. The Athletics won the last game 5-1, and the series is currently tied 1-1. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Apr. 27 and can be seen on CSCA and FSDT.
Verlander pitched 7.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering two runs, striking out 10 and walking two in a 2-1 defeat to the Indians. Ian Kinsler (.342, 16 Rs, 4 HRs, 12 RBIs, 1 SB) continued his strong play yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one run. Gray went 7.0 innings, surrendering three runs, striking out seven and walking three in an 8-5 win over the Blue Jays in his most recent start. Josh Reddick (.292, 9 Rs, 4 HRs, 11 RBIs, 2 SBs) has been successful at the plate for the Athletics, going 3 for 4 yesterday with one run and one stolen base.
The odds for Detroit and Oakland 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 lead the AL in strikeouts per game with 6.5.
Offensively, the Athletics 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 Athletics 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
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 Athletics have a 4-0 record in games where opponents scored one run or less.
When outhit, the Tigers and the Athletics both have records of 2-8.
Tied at 13th for total home runs, Detroit and Oakland have each hit 22 homers this season.
Ranking 20th, Oakland is in the bottom half of the league in hits, notching 8.14 per game. Detroit ranks in the top 10 with 8.79.
Detroit ranks at the top of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage of .000. Oakland ranks near the bottom at 28th with an OPS of .667.
When the Athletics allow at least one home run, they are 5-8, well-matched with the Tigers who are 4-7 when allowing at least one homer.
