MLB Baseball
2013-06-17 - Baltimore Orioles at Detroit Tigers
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
United States: MLB Baseball
Monday 17 June 2013 - First Pitch 7:08pm
12:08am (British Time)
Preview
The Detroit Tigers (38-29) and the Baltimore Orioles (40-30) are two of the leading contenders to get themselves involved in the American League Play Offs later this year. They will be opening a three game series at Comerica Park with both teams being desperate to maintain leads and close gaps in their respective Divisions.
It is a big night for the Detroit pitcher Max Scherzer who has the chance to become the first pitcher in the American League to reach double-digits in terms of wins this season. Scherzer is 9-0 with a 3.19 ERA this season and he has won 4 of his last 5 starts while reducing that to a 2.00 ERA.
Scherzer has already put himself in Detroit history by becoming the first pitcher in the Tigers staff to start the season at 9-0 since 1938 and he has continued his form from last season. The pitcher has lost just 1 of his last 27 starts going back to the end of last season and he is 16-1 with a 2.66 ERA in that time.
He has faced Baltimore once already this season and gave up 3 runs in eight innings pitched, but the bullpen blew the lead and a chance for Scherzer to put up another win. Scherzer is 1-1 with a 5.19 ERA in his last four starts against the Orioles.
Jason Hammel was due to take to the mound for Baltimore, but he has been suffering with an illness and instead the ball will be given to Jake Arrieta. Arrieta was in the Minor Leagues after starting this season with a 1-1 record and a 6.63 ERA from four starts. However, he is 1-0 with a 1.46 ERA in his two career starts against Detroit, although there will be a worry about his command as Arrieta hasn't pitched since June 9th in the Minor Leagues.
Head to Head
Baltimore took 2 of 3 games against Detroit earlier this season in games played at home.
The Tigers have also lost their last 2 home games against Baltimore.
Prediction
This won't be an easy game for Detroit, but they do have the edge on the pitching mound and I like the Tigers to win this by a couple of runs.
The Pick :
Detroit Tigers 4-1 Baltimore Orioles
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back Detroit Tigers - 1.5 Runs @ 2.15
