MLB Picks: Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Indians

The Detroit Tigers (48-39) and Cleveland Indians (46-42) will close out a four-game American League Central series Monday night at Progressive Field, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET

Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Indians

The Detroit Tigers are 7-3 as road favorites of -150 to -175 this season

Detroit had its five-game winning streak snapped Sunday, as it suffered a 9-6 setback to Cleveland as -130 road favorites, while going OVER the total for a second consecutive contest. The Tigers went 45 innings over five days and two cities without falling behind, but they were unable to overcome an early three-run deficit after the first inning. “They’re never out of it,” commented Indians manager Terry Francona. Third baseman Miguel Cabrera continues to put a show on at the plate, collecting four hits and his 90th RBI of the season. Detroit is 7-3 as road favorites of -150 to -175 this season, with the OVER going 6-4 in that situation.

Tigers starting pitcher Max Scherzer (13-0, 3.09 ERA) has led the club to six consecutive wins, including a 6-2 road victory over the Toronto Blue Jays last time out, as he allowed two runs and seven hits over 6.1 frames. The right-hander is 5-0 with a 2.16 ERA in eight road outings, with opposing hitters batting just .166 against him. In 13 career games versus the Indians, Scherzer has tallied a 7-4 record and 4.76 ERA, including a 5-1 road win on May 21.

Cleveland ended its four-game losing streak with yesterday’s triumph, while it went OVER the betting total for the fifth time in six contests. The Indians have been getting tremendous production out of outfielder Michael Brantley, who finished with a career-best five RBIs Sunday. “He looks like Barry Bonds,” commented Tigers outfielder Torii Hunter. Cleveland is 7-5 as home underdogs of +150 to +175 the last two-plus seasons, with the UNDER going 6-5-1 in those 12 opportunities.

Indians starting pitcher Scott Kazmir (4-4, 4.86 ERA) didn’t earn a decision in a 6-5 road loss to the Kansas City Royals last time out, as he allowed three runs and six hits over five frames. The left-hander is 4-0 with a 4.26 ERA in six home efforts, issuing just eight walks and striking out 33 batters in 31.2 combined frames. In 11 career games versus the Tigers, Kazmir has compiled an even 4-4 record and 3.79 ERA.