The Tigers dominating win streak over the Rangers at Comerica Park ended last night, but the team may be primed to start another.
Texas Rangers at Detroit Tigers
Texas has won 13 of its last 16 games on the road and snapped an 11-game losing streak in Detroit with an 8-6 victory. Outfielder Nelson Cruz’s 14th inning home run allowed the Rangers to win their fourth in five games and extend their lead to five games in the AL West. The club is 7-9 in July (-1,100), but still carry the league’s third-best overall record and fifth in the Majors. Despite Monday’s victory, it’s important to note the team has still been outscored 90-35 in its last 12 games at Comerica Park. The Rangers have been a road favorite of -125 to -150 just seven times this season (4-3, Even) and 15 times over the last three years (8-7, -130).
Rangers starting pitcher Tommy Hunter is a perfect 6-0 with a 2.39 ERA in eight starts this season, leading his team to victory in seven of those eight outings. The right-hander is coming off a 7-2 road victory against the Boston Red Sox, tossing 6.2 innings and allowing two runs on five hits. He has made just two road starts in 2010, posting a 1-0 record and 3.00 ERA, while issuing five walks and striking out just two batters. Hunter earned a victory in his only career start against the Tigers, giving up a single run and five hits over seven innings, as he opposed tonight’s starter in that game as well. In three July starters, Hunter is 2-0 with a 2.75 ERA.
Detroit dropped the series opener at Comerica Park, but the team is still a dominating 17-4 in its last 21 home games. For the season, the Tigers have compiled a 32-14 home record (+1,550) and have also won 11 of their last 12 such games against the visiting Rangers. The loss extended the club’s season-high losing streak to 2.5 games and dropped the team 2.5 games out of first place in the AL Central. First baseman Miguel Cabrera did his part in trying to break the team’s losing streak, collecting his 17th career multi-homer game, after going 2-for-14 in his first series after the All-Star break against Cleveland. The Tigers have garnered a 35-27 record against clubs from the American League’s West Division since the start of the 2009 season.
Tigers starting pitcher Armando Galarraga is 3-2 with a 4.45 ERA in 10 appearances (nine starts), as he will be returning from a stint from the minor leagues. He led Detroit to a 7-5 home win over Baltimore in his last start on July 6, giving up three runs on 10 hits over 6.2 frames. The right-hander is a perfect 2-0 with a 2.57 ERA in six games (five starts) at home, with opponents combining for a .212 average. In three career starts versus the Rangers, Galarraga has collected a 2-1 mark and 3.60 ERA, managing to strike out 18 batters and walk just five in 20 innings.
Bettors haven’t become rich in betting the Tigers as a home underdog of +100 to +125 this season, with the team posting an even 3-3 mark (+20). It’s important to note that the Tigers are 5-0 in Galarraga’s last five home starts overall. The Rangers are certainly dangerous, going 4-0 in Hunter’s last four starts as a road favorite of this kind.
