MLB Predictions 2012: New York Yankees vs. Detroit Tigers

The New York Yankees (63-45) and Detroit Tigers (59-50) will continue an American League series on Tuesday night at Comerica Park, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 ET

New York Yankees at Detroit Tigers

Detroit Tigers 1B Prince Fielder is leading the charge offensively in August

New York has lost six of its last nine games, suffering a 7-2 setback to Detroit in the series opener on Monday night, as the club is faced with a challenge of facing one of the hottest teams in baseball. The Yankees have dropped eight of the last 12 meetings in the Motor City, while going 24-27 inside this ballpark since its opening in 2000. New York is 10-7 on the road with a money line of -100 to -125, while the “under” is 10-7 in that situation.

Yankees starting pitcher Philip Hughes (11-8, 3.96 ERA) has won back-to-back starts over the Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox, as the offense provided him 22 runs of support in those contests. The right-hander is 3-5 with a 4.27 ERA in nine road outings, issuing 13 walks and striking out 48 batters in 52.2 innings. In nine career games (seven starts) versus the Tigers, Hughes has tallied a 5-3 record and 3.83 ERA, including a 5-1 complete-game victory at this ballpark on June 3.

Detroit has moved nine games over .500 for the first time during the 2012 MLB campaign, as it looks to extend its current home win streak to 10 games with a victory here. The Tigers are being led by the middle of their lineup offensively, especially first baseman Prince Fielder in the month of August, going 10 for 17 with three home runs and eight RBIs in helping the club win all five games. Detroit is 16-6 at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.

Tigers starting pitcher Rick Porcello (8-6, 4.65 ERA) has led the club to six wins in his last seven outings, coming off a 7-5 road win over the Boston Red Sox, giving up four runs and eight hits over 5.2 innings. The right-hander is 3-3 with a 4.69 ERA in 11 home starts, with opponents hitting .314 against him. In five career games versus the Yankees, Porcello has tallied a 2-2 mark and 4.71 ERA, including a no-decision effort in a 4-3 home win on June 2.

Sports bettors will likely back the Tigers due to their 20-8 record in their last 28 games, while the Yankees are 1-11 in Hughes’ last 12 road starts versus winning teams.