MLB Predictions: Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Indians

The Detroit Tigers (64-45) and Cleveland Indians (62-49) will open up 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 Cleveland Indians are 11-7 as home underdogs of +100 to +125 this season

Detroit has won eight games in a row, including a 3-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox as -200 home favorites Sunday, while going UNDER the betting total for a third consecutive contest. The Tigers are now a season-high 19 games above .500, which has the clubhouse feeling good heading into this important series. “You look at this squad, all cylinders are clicking,” commented Tigers outfielder Torii Hunter. The club has won nine of its 12 matchups in this series in 2013, with third baseman Miguel Cabrera leading the way with five home runs and 14 RBIs. Detroit is 5-9 on the road with a money line of -100 to -125, with the UNDER going 8-5-1 in that situation.

Tigers starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez (9-7, 2.59 ERA) has won back-to-back games, including a 5-1 home victory over the Washington Nationals last time out, as he allowed one run and five hits over seven frames. The right-hander is 3-5 with a 3.13 ERA in 10 road outings, issuing 21 walks and striking out 50 batters in 54.2 combined innings. In five career games versus the Indians, Sanchez has tallied a 3-1 record and 1.76 ERA, including a 9-4 road victory on July 6.

Cleveland returns home after winning back-to-back games against the Miami Marlins, including a 2-0 victory as -118 favorites yesterday, while going UNDER the total in each of those contests. “We knew what we had to do,” commented Indians outfielder Michael Brantley. “We had to try to win the series.” The Indians have tallied a MLB-leading 15 shutouts this season, while they attempt to win their 12th consecutive home game. Cleveland is 11-7 as home underdogs of +100 to +125 this season, with the UNDER going 11-7 in those 18 opportunities.

Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber (7-5, 3.77 ERA) has led the club to back-to-back victories, including a 6-5 home win over the Chicago White Sox last time out. The right-hander is 3-2 with a 2.98 ERA in 10 home games (nine appearances), issuing 13 walks and striking out 56 batters in 57.1 combined frames. In six games (five starts) versus the Tigers, Kluber has posted a 1-3 record and 6.82 ERA.