Detroit comes to Minnesota for a big series with the Twins after starting their road trip in Seattle where they mashed the crap out of the ball. They took 2 of 3 from the Mariners and scored 23 runs in the three games including 9 home runs. The Tigers still trail Kansas City by 6.5 games and the Twins by 2.5. Pitching has been the Tigers problem all year. They rank near the bottom in all statistical categories, but their offense ranks near the top including a League leading .281 batting average. Detroit will have 4 players represented in next week’s All-Star Game.
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One of those All-Stars is tonight’s starter David Price. He’s having a terrific season for the Tigers. He’s 8-2 with a 2.54 ERA and 107 strikeouts. He shut down the powerful Blue Jays offense in his last outing pitching 7 innings and allowing only 1 run to win his 4th straight decision. His road record is even better than his home record. He’s 5-1 with a 1.86 ERA away from home and the Tigers are 7-2 in those starts.
The Twins seem to be getting hot again after their 3-game sweep of the Orioles in which they outscored them 17-8. They have won 5 of 7 overall and are the current Wild Card leaders in the American League. They’ve picked up the offense a bit hitting .264 in their last 10 games. Overall this year they are hitting .251 against left-handers, but in their last 10 it’s only .182 and they’re going against a tough one tonight.
Mike Pelfrey takes the mound tonight and he’s had a decent year. He’s 5-5 with a 3.94 ERA in 16 starts. His last 3 starts have been rough. He’s given up 14 runs in 12.2 innings. The one thing he has going for him tonight is that he’s a remarkable 3-1, 1.80 ERA at home this year and has only given up 1 home run.
The Tigers are a high price on the road tonight, but I’m going to take them anyway. Their bats are on fire and should have no problem with Pelfrey.
Pick: Tigers -141
