The Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Angels will provide quite the pitching matchup to fans in their second game of a three-game series Tuesday night at Angel Stadium

Detroit Tigers at Los Angeles Angels

Detroit was unable to get much going offensively in a 5-1 series-opening loss to the Angels last night and now will look to provide support for its ace.  The Tigers have still managed wins in 33 of their last 57 games and came into Monday’s contest hitting .296 over the last 30 contests.  The club has actually dropped five of seven and six of eight on the road.  It’s hard to imagine that the squad will capture a series victory come Wednesday, posting a 28-51 mark against the Angels since 2002.  Detroit is 29-30 versus right-handed starters this year.

Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander was just named to the American League All-Star team and brings in a dominating 11-3 record and 2.32 ERA in 18 starts.  The right-hander has won nine straight decisions, while the club has proven victorious in his last eight starts.  Verlander finished June with a perfect 6-0 record and 0.92 ERA, issuing just six walks and registering 54 strikeouts in 49 innings.  In nine career starts versus the Angels, he is an even 3-3 with a 4.53 ERA.

Los Angeles tallied its 15th win in the past 21 games and retained a share of the American League West lead with Texas heading into tonight.  The pitching staff has been a major bright spot for the club recently, posting a 2.74 team ERA over the last 19 games.  “It was a well-rounded game,” Angels outfielder Peter Bourjos commented.  “I felt good offensively and defensively.”  Bourjos was definitely in highlight-reel mode last night in the outfield, making numerous Gold Glove caliber plays.  “They made every play you can make,” said Tigers manager Jim Leyland.  “We hit some balls right on the money, didn’t find any holes.”  Los Angeles is 30-25 versus right-handed starters this year.

Angels starting pitcher Dan Haren is 8-5 with a 2.85 ERA in 18 appearances (17 starts) this season and comes in on a two-game winning streak.  He has allowed just three runs and 12 hits over his last 13 1/3 innings versus the Dodgers and Nationals.  The right-hander is an even 3-3 with a 2.12 ERA in eight home outings (seven starts), as opponents are hitting just .178 against him.  In seven lifetime starts versus the Tigers, Haren has posted a losing 2-4 mark and 4.93 ERA.

Bettors will likely back the Tigers due to their 10-1 record in Verlander’s last 11 starts, while the Angels are 0-4 as a home underdog