Justin Verlander (2-3, 6.49 ERA) and Martin Perez (1-2, 3.60 ERA) are on the hill in the last of a three-game series between the Detroit Tigers (14-15) and the Texas Rangers (17-14) at Comerica Park. The Tigers lost the last game 10-5, continuing a five-game losing streak. Action begins at 1:10 p.m. ET on Sunday, May. 8 and can be seen on FSDT and FSSW.
Verlander pitched 5.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering seven runs, striking out two and walking three in a 7-3 defeat to the Indians. Nick Castellanos (.376, 13 Rs, 5 HRs, 24 RBIs, 1 SB) continued his strong play yesterday, going 2 for 4 with two RBIs. Perez went 5.0 innings, surrendering zero runs, striking out four and walking three in a 3-1 defeat to the Blue Jays in his last outing. Rougned Odor (.292, 21 Rs, 6 HRs, 20 RBIs, 4 SBs) has been successful at the plate for the Rangers, going 2 for 5 yesterday with two runs, one home run, and one RBI.
The odds for Detroit and Texas are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. 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 6.7.
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, 2-0.
Predictions: SU Winner – TEX
Notes
The Tigers are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Rangers have a 6-2 record when opponents give up one walk or less.
It looks like the Rangers have a slight leg up on the Tigers, as the Rangers have won their last two games while the Tigers have lost their last five.
When they outhit their opponents, the Tigers are 11-3. The Rangers have an 11-1 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 15th in runs, Detroit has earned 128 this season. Texas ranks ninth with 135 runs.
Detroit and Texas both rank near the bottom of the league in walks. Detroit sits at 23rd with 80 this season and Texas ranks 25th with 77.
When the Tigers hit at least one home run, they are 13-7. When the Rangers hit at least one homer, they have a 12-9 record.
