Texas Rangers (10-2) vs Detroit Tigers (9-3)
This is a nice battle among two of the top teams in the American League. As this is being written the Rangers are beating the Tigers in game one of their series, looking to improve their American League best record.
Rangers vs. Tigers
Friday April 20
Comerica Park – Detroit, MI
7:05PM
Moneyline: Texas -110, Detroit -105
O/U: 9
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Matt Harrison (2-0, 0.64 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Rick Porcello (1-0, 1.84 ERA)
Texas
The Rangers have been very good the last couple of seasons but have struggled when visiting Detroit. They are just 7-19 in recent visits to Detroit which makes their opening game performance that much more exciting.
On the bump Fridays is their most effective pitcher this year unheralded Matt Harrison. The lefty won a career high 14 games last year and has given up just one run this season through two starts. When the team is at the plate Josh Hamilton has been the big story. Amidst contract talks and concerns about his sobriety he was hitting .440 heading into Thursday evening, helping the team to an average of 6 runs per game. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
Detroit
Detroit has also been off to a hot start as well. They have lost just 3 of their first 12 games and entered their series against the Rangers on a 4 game winning streak. They are hitting the ball and pitching well too just not at the level of proficiency of the Rangers. They received some good news lately as it looks like catcher Victor Martinez might see the field this year after all. Either way they have to be pleased with acquired first baseman Prince Fielder’s team leading .356 average.
Fielder and Miguel Cabrera are proving to be a lethal duo even if their 5 combined homers only matches that of Josh Hamilton. They are also getting very good starting pitching from spots other than Justin Verlander such as Friday’s starter Rick Porcello. Porcello leads all Tiger starters in ERA and has an impressive WHIP below 1.00. He is beginning his fourth season so it is easy to forget he is still only 24. He might be finally finding his place after a couple of steady but unspectacular season.
O/U Pick: Over
Score Prediction: Detroit 7 – Texas 6
