Detroit @ Cleveland preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 5, 2013 ) Detroit 4, Cleveland 2

The Cleveland Indians fell victim to some late Detroit heroics in the opening game of their pivotal American League Central showdown. The Indians look for redemption - and a second shot at ending the Tigers' lengthy winning streak - as they send ace Justin Masterson to the mound Tuesday. Detroit extended its run to nine games in dramatic fashion, victimizing Cleveland closer Chris Perez for four runs in the ninth inning of Monday's 4-2 triumph.

With both teams relying on sensational starting staffs, it should surprise no one that Monday's series opener was a pitchers' duel. Tuesday could see a similar result, with Detroit's Justin Verlander looking to build on a solid six-inning stint against the Washington Nationals and Masterson in search of his fourth consecutive victory. Neither pitcher has fared well against his Tuesday opponent - and in Masterson's case, the results have been downright dreadful.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN (Detroit), STO (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Justin Verlander (11-8, 3.88 ERA) vs. Indians RH Justin Masterson (13-7, 3.33)

Verlander overcame back-to-back rough outings with a gem against the Nationals, limiting them to a run on four hits while fanning six. Control continues to be an issue for the former American League Cy Young Award winner, who has issued 56 walks in 143 2/3 innings after allowing just 60 over 238 1/3 frames a season ago. Verlander is 16-14 with a 4.65 ERA in 209 career innings against the Indians.

Even in what is becoming a career year, Masterson still can't figure out how to tame the Tigers. The 28-year-old was torched for six runs over 4 2/3 innings in their last encounter July 5, dropping him to 2-8 with a 5.50 ERA in 75 1/3 career frames against Detroit. Masterson has put together four straight quality starts since that loss, surrendering just four runs over 28 innings in that span.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Tigers lead the season series 10-3.

2. Detroit SS Jhonny Peralta began serving his 50-game suspension Monday for his role in the Biogenesis scandal.

3. Indians OF Michael Brantley is a career .406 hitter in 32 at-bats against Verlander.

PREDICTION: Tigers 4, Indians 2