Detroit @ Cleveland preview
Progressive Field
Last Meeting ( Jul 8, 2013 ) Detroit 4, Cleveland 2
The Detroit Tigers have won eight straight games but can’t seem to shake loose of the Cleveland Indians in the American League Central. The Tigers, who visit Cleveland for the first of four games on Monday, haven’t been able to increase their three-game division lead despite their longest winning streak of the season because of the Indians’ identical 9-1 record over the last 10 contests. However, Detroit is expected to lose shortstop Jhonny Peralta to suspension on Monday for his connection to the Biogenesis clinic.
The Tigers now have their chance to create some separation from Cleveland, which has dropped nine of the 12 meetings between the division rivals this season. The Indians have won 11 straight at home and are coming off their first road series win since June following Sunday’s victory over the Miami Marlins. Cleveland posted its league-leading 15th shutout in the process and has won 11-of-12 overall since coming out of the All-Star break 1-4.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN (Detroit), STO (Cleveland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Anibal Sanchez (9-7, 2.59 ERA) vs. Indians RH Corey Kluber (7-5, 3.77)
After giving up a run and two hits after facing just three batters, Sanchez yielded only three more hits thereafter over seven frames in Tuesday’s 5-1 victory over the Washington Nationals. The right-hander has permitted fewer than two runs in four of his five starts since coming off the disabled list and allowed five home runs all season – the fewest among qualified AL pitchers. Sanchez collected the win in his return from the DL on July 6 against Cleveland and is 3-1 in five career outings versus the Indians.
Kluber came one out shy of his first career complete game but had to settle for his third straight no-decision in Wednesday’s 10-inning win over the Chicago White Sox after surrendering four runs and eight hits. The Alabama native held opponents to a .208 average and 3.00 ERA in July while leading his team to victories in five of his six outings, but he only had one win to show for it. Kluber is 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA versus the Tigers this season and 1-3 in six career appearances against them.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Tigers are 5-1 at Cleveland this season, outscoring the Indians 42-23.
2. Cleveland C Yan Gomes has six consecutive multi-hit performances and can tie the second-longest streak by an Indians player in the last 30 years with two hits on Monday.
3. Detroit pitchers gave up their first two home runs during the winning streak on Sunday.
PREDICTION: Tigers 3, Indians 2