The Los Angeles Angels (66-61) and Detroit Tigers (68-58) will close out an American League series on Sunday afternoon at Comerica Park, with the first pitch scheduled for 1:05 ET
Los Angeles Angels at Detroit Tigers
Los Angeles is still feeling the effects of Thursday’s 10-inning victory in Boston, as the bullpen came into this series fatigued, which ended up resulting a 5-3 setback on Saturday night. “This was just a residual situation from the Boston series where so many guys had to pitch,” stated Angels manager Mike Scioscia. The Halos have scored just five runs in the first two games of this series, as first baseman Albert Pujols continues to sit out with a calf injury, while outfielder Mike Trout is hitless in nine at-bats. Los Angeles is 3-5 as a road underdog of +125 to +150, with the “under” going 5-3 in those contests.
Angels starting pitcher Ervin Santana (7-10, 5.46 ERA) has led the club to five consecutive victories, while he’s riding a personal three-game win streak, which includes a 5-3 triumph over the Boston Red Sox last time out. The right-hander is 4-4 with a 6.15 ERA in 13 road outings, surrendering 16 home runs in 71.2 innings. In nine career efforts versus the Tigers, Santana has registered a 6-2 record and 3.51 ERA, including a 3-2 mark and 5.00 ERA in six outings at this ballpark.
Detroit was able to hang around just enough last night to pull out its fourth win in five games, as the club still sits 2.5 games back of the Chicago White Sox in the AL Central standings. “Down 3-0, that’s nothing to us,” commented Tigers pitcher Drew Smyly about the come-from-behind victory. Miguel Cabrera will likely serve as the team’s designated hitter for the series finale, as he continues to recover from a sore right ankle. Detroit is 19-8 at home when the total is 9 to 9.5.
Tigers starting pitcher Max Scherzer (13-6, 4.27 ERA) has led the club to six wins in his last seven efforts, including a 5-3 home win over the Toronto Blue Jays in his last appearance, allowing one run and five hits over seven frames. The right-hander is 5-2 with a 4.05 ERA in 10 home outings, issuing 16 walks and striking out 80 batters in 60 innings. In two lifetime starts versus the Angels, Scherzer has compiled a 1-1 record and 3.18 ERA, including a 5-1 home win on July 19.
Sports bettors will likely back the Tigers due to their 14-2 record in Scherzer’s last 16 home outings with a total of 9 to 10.5, while the Angels are 3-10 in Santana’s last 13 starts versus winning teams.
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