The Los Angeles Angels and Detroit Tigers close out a four-game American League series Sunday afternoon at Comerica Park
Los Angeles Angels at Detroit Tigers
Los Angeles has now won four of its last five contests on the current road trip after a 5-1 victory over Detroit on Saturday. The Angels have already assured themselves at least a split in this four-game set, but the club will be focused on winning their 11th series in 12 tries. Offensively, the team has won both games in this series in two different ways, scoring 12 runs in the opener while swiping a season high-tying six bases yesterday. Winning against the Tigers is nothing new, as the Angels have posted a 54-30 record in the matchup since the start of the 2002 season, including a 23-16 mark in Detroit. Los Angeles is 22-14 in day games this year.
Angels starting pitcher Jered Weaver is 14-4 with a 1.79 in 22 starts this season and is in search of a ninth straight victory, which would match his career best set in his rookie season. The right-hander will be finishing off a brilliant July, entering with a perfect 5-0 record and 1.19 ERA, surrendering just a single home run in 37 2/3 innings. Wever has also been a dominating force during the day, posting a perfect 4-0 mark and 1.04 ERA. In six career starts versus the Tigers, he has tallied an even 3-3 mark and 5.68 ERA, including a 2-1 record and 3.50 ERA in three outings at Comerica Park.
Detroit still leads the AL Central division despite its most recent loss and also landed a new pitcher for the stretch run. The Tigers have struggled over the years against the Angels and bring in a 13-15 record against AL West opponents this year. Offensively, the team will be leaning heavily on first baseman Miguel Cabrera and Magglio Ordonez against Weaver, combing for 11 hits in 30 at-bats (.367). Detroit is 25-17 in day games this year and 92-72 over the past three years.
Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander is 14-5 with a 2.34 ERA in 23 starts this season and is looking to win a third consecutive game. Over his last two outings, the right-hander has allowed five runs and 12 hits over 16 innings. He enters with a 7-3 mark and 2.46 ERA in 12 home starts, as opponents are hitting just .197 against him. Just like his counterpart, Verlander has been dominating during the day, going 4-1 with a 1.32 ERA in six outings. In 10 career games versus the Angels, the former first-round selection has a losing 3-4 record and 4.13 ERA, including a 1-0 road loss on July 5.
Bettors will be interested in backing the Angels due to their 19-9 record in Weaver’s last 28 starts versus the AL Central, while the Tigers are 1-5 in Verlander’s last six home starts versus the Angels
