The Detroit Tigers need a pick-me-up, and on Tuesday night, they may just get it. The Tigers have dominated the Toronto Blue Jays, who will pay them a visit.
However, with how well the Blue Jays have been playing, no team can count on an easy win against the boys in blue. To get suited up for what should be one of the best series’ of the season so far, create a betting account now and then read on for some keys to cashing in on this big league action.
[sc:MLBArticles ]Toronto Blue Jays vs. Detroit Tigers Betting Preview
Where: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
When: June 3-5, 7:08 PM ET
Line: Toronto Blue Jays at Detroit Tigers – view all MLB lines
Keys to the Series
The Detroit Tigers currently sit first in the Central Division of the American League with a record of 32-22, largely thanks to the 13-3 record they put up through April. However, they faltered in May, only winning four of their last fourteen. After compiling a 3-4 record on their seven game road trip, they are going back home to Comerica Park where they will meet the Toronto Blue Jays in a three game series.
Amid the recent struggles of the Tigers, Anibal Sanchez has risen to the occasion. After a tough start to the season, Sanchez has picked up the slack since coming back from injury on May 18. In three starts, he’s allowed just four earned runs on thirteen hits, and striking out seventeen.
[sc:MLB240banner ]Just north of Detroit, the Toronto Blue Jays are ruling the AL East with a 34-24 record. The Blue Jays have consistently racked up wins while avoiding any major losing skids. The team carried a nine-game win streak into their series with the Kansas City Royals before the streak ended in extra innings.
The Jays will send Drew Hutchison to the mound, who has pitched serviceably for the Jays this season, while putting up a 2.33 ERA on the road. When his stuff hasn’t been great, Hutchinson has been bailed out by the Jays bats. The Jays have scored the second-most runs in the majors, and continue to mash long balls everytime out.
Speaking of which, Edwin Encarnacion has been stellar. In May, Encarnacion broke the franchise record and tied Mickey Mantle for the American League record for most home runs in the month with 16. Against Game 1 starter Sanchez, Encarnacion has one home run and two RBIs in 10 at-bats this season. He’ll look to continue his superb run against the Tigers.
Pitching Match-ups
Game 1: DET Anibal Sanchez (2-2, 2.49 ERA) vs. TOR Drew Hutchison (4-3, 3.88 ERA)
Trends:
Tigers are 3-2 in Sanchez’ last five home starts.
Blue Jays are 4-1 in Hutchison’s last five road starts.
Game 2: DET Rick Porcello (8-2, 3.82 ERA) vs. TOR R.A. Dickey (5-4, 4.30 ERA)
Trends:
Tigers are 8-2 in Porcello’s last 10 starts.
Blue Jays are 3-7 in Dickey’s last 10 road starts.
Game 3: DET Justin Verlander (6-4, 3.99 ERA) vs. TOR J.A. Happ (4-2, 4.10 ERA)
Trends:
The total has gone under in Happ’s last five starts.
Writer’s Prediction
The Tigers are the No. 1 hitting team in the American League. Backed by Anibal Sanchez’ stellar game as of late, their offense will put them back on the winning track to take Game 1. After the first game, look for the Tigers to split the remaining two games with the Blue Jays.
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