The Chicago White Sox (12-14) and Detroit Tigers (13-12) will continue a three-game American League Central series on Saturday afternoon at Comerica Park, with the first pitch scheduled for 4:05 ET on FOX
Chicago White Sox at Detroit Tigers
Chicago was unable to hold a two-run lead in the final two innings on Friday night, dropping a 5-4 decision to Detroit to open up an important divisional series. The White Sox have now lost five straight games at Comerica Park. “I just hate going out there having that team on the ropes and then losing one,” stated White Sox pitcher Jake Peavy. This defeat actually caused manager Robin Ventura to make a big change at closer, moving starter Chris Sale out to the bullpen to take over that particular role. Chicago is 7-4 on the road and the “under” is 7-4 in that situation.
White Sox starting pitcher Gavin Floyd (2-3, 3.13 ERA) is coming off a 4-1 home victory over the Boston Red Sox last time out, giving up a single run and three hits over 6.2 frames. The right-hander has lost both of his road outings this year despite carrying a respectable 3.46 ERA, as opponents are hitting just .156 against him. In 18 career starts versus the Tigers, Floyd is 7-2 with a 3.48 ERA, which includes a 4-1 mark and 3.98 ERA in nine outings at today’s ball park.
Detroit has enjoyed tremendous success in this series since the final months of the 2010 campaign, winning 23 of the last 31 games. The Tigers will now look to win two games in a row for the first time since putting together a four-game win streak from April 15-18. The lineup could receive the boost with the return of outfielder Delmon Young, who has missed the last seven games due to his arrest on charges of aggravated harassment in New York City. Detroit is 2-0 as a home favorite of -125 to -150 this year, with the “over” going 25-11 in that situation the last two-plus years.
Tigers starting pitcher Max Scherzer (1-3, 7.77 ERA) will look to snap a two-game losing streak, as he comes off a 6-2 road loss to the New York Yankees last time out. He struggled with control mightily in that effort, issuing seven walks and allowing seven hits over 4.2 frames. In nine career starts versus the White Sox, Scherzer has tallied a losing 3-4 mark and 2.51 ERA, which includes a 5-2 setback on the road on April 13.
Bettors will likely back the Tigers due to their 35-16 record versus right-handed starters, while the White Sox are 0-4 in Floyd’s last four road starts.
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