The Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers continue an American League Central series Saturday afternoon at Comerica Park
Chicago White Sox at Detroit Tigers
Chicago picked up just its second win in seven tries against the Detroit Tigers last night and is now 9-16 versus divisional opponents. “Tonight was huge,” White Sox designated hitter Adam Dunn said. “Coming off a four-day break and facing the best pitcher in baseball, that’s a pretty good way to start the second half.” One of the team’s strengths this season has been the bullpen, entering the series with a 0.76 ERA in its last 12 games. The pen has also posted a 0.35 ERA in its last 11 road games. Chicago is 18-18 in day games this season and 75-71 over the past three years.
White Sox starting pitcher Edwin Jackson is 5-7 with a 4.30 ERA in 17 starts this season and is coming off a 4-1 home defeat to the Royals. He allowed four runs and eight hits over seven innings in that particular effort. The right-hander has tallied a 4-2 mark and 5.00 ERA in seven day time starts, issuing 17 walks and registering 52 strikeouts in 57 2/3 frames. In 11 career games (nine starts) versus the Tigers, Jackson is 3-2 with a 4.00 ERA, including a 3-1 mark and 4.79 ERA in six appearances (five starts) at Comerica Park.
Detroit has relied heavily on its ace this year and he simply didn’t have it in the series opener, allowing an opponent to bat around for the order for the first time since August 3, 2009. “He certainly wasn’t at the top of his game,” said Tigers manager Jim Leyland about starting pitcher Justin Verlander. It was a disappointing start to the second half of the season due to the club winning its last seven games with Verlander on the hill versus the White Sox. The Tigers are still a solid 18-9 record versus AL Central opponents. Detroit is 27-20 at home this season and 23-12 when playing under the sun.
Tigers starting pitcher Max Scherzer is 10-4 with a 4.69 ERA in 19 starts this season and is coming off a solid road effort against the Royals last time out. He picked up a 3-1 win by giving up just a single run and six hits over 6 2/3 innings, while not issuing a single walk. Scherzer has enjoyed a solid season at home thus far, entering with a 5-2 record and 3.86 ERA. In five career starts versus the White Sox, he has compiled a winning 2-1 record and 2.63 ERA, allowing them to hit for just a .217 average. The former first-round selection grabbed a 3-0 home victory against them on April 24, tossing eight shutout innings in the process.
Bettors will be interested in backing the Tigers due to their 12-4 mark at home versus right-handed starters, while the White Sox are 1-6 in Jackson’s last seven efforts
