The Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox close out a three-game series in the American League Central Wednesday afternoon at U.S. Cellular Field
Detroit Tigers at Chicago White Sox
Detroit moved its lead in the AL Central division to two games with a 5-4 victory over the Chicago White Sox last night. The Tigers conclude a seven-game road trip today with the final game of a three-game series in the Windy City. “Obviously, we’re in first place and they need to catch up, so a win would be huge for those guys,” said Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander about beating the White Sox. “”To be able to come out on top was uplifting for us and hopefully demoralizing for those guys.” The club has been hammering division foes all season long, entering with a 23-12 mark this season. Detroit is tops among all AL clubs with a .657 winning percentage against the division.
Tigers starting pitcher Max Scherzer is 11-5 with a 4.35 ERA in 21 starts this season and the club has alternated wins and losses in his last seven outings. The right-hander has a 6-2 record and 5.26 ERA in nine road starts, surrendering 10 home runs in 53 innings. Scherzer has toed the rubber seven times during the day, posting a 4-2 mark and 4.43 ERA, which is comparable to his 7-3 record and 4.31 ERA in 14 nighttime outings. In six career starts versus the White Sox, Scherzer has tallied an even 2-2 mark and 2.56 ERA, including a 5-0 home loss two appearances back. He allowed two runs and eight hits in eight frames in that particular start.
Chicago has failed to make up major ground in the playoff race by coming in with an 8-9 record in a stretch of 18 consecutive games against AL Central opponents. “It’s tough, no doubt about it,” said White Sox starting pitcher Jake Peavy. “We knew what tonight meant.” It’s disappointing results for a team that has a pitching staff that leads the majors with a 1.79 ERA after the All-Star break. Offensively, it’s going to come down to the resurgence of All-Star first baseman Paul Konerko, who is 3 for 6 in this series. Chicago is 22-26 in home games this year and 36-39 when facing right-handed starters.
White Sox starting pitcher John Danks is 3-8 with a 3.92 ERA in 16 starts this season and has led the club to four victories in his last five outings. He has made just one start this month, but tallied an impressive 3-0 mark and 1.14 ERA in four starts in June. Danks has yet to post a victory during the day, bringing in a 0-4 record and 4.81 ERA in six daytime starts. In 12 career starts versus the Tigers, the left-hander has a losing 3-5 record and 4.15 ERA, including a 3-0 road loss on April 24. He allowed three runs and nine hits over six innings in that particular outing
Bettors will likely back the Tigers due to their 4-0 mark in Scherzer’s last four outings as an underdog, while the White Sox are 0-7 at home versus right-handed starters
