Detroit @ New York preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 23, 2013 ) Detroit 6, NY Mets 1

The New York Mets usually don't fall under the must-see TV category - with the lone exception of when ace Matt Harvey takes the mound. That will be the case Saturday when Harvey squares off with Max Scherzer and the visiting Detroit Tigers in the second contest of a three-game series. The pitching duel not only features a pair of fireballing right-handers who rank second in their respective leagues in strikeouts, but the prohibitive favorite for the American League Cy Young Award in Scherzer.

Scherzer is bidding to become the first pitcher since Roger Clemens in 2001 to open a season 19-1, but he characterized his stellar record as "fluky." "The guys are putting up runs for me and are playing great defense so I can't take credit for being 18-1," Scherzer said. Harvey wishes he could echo that sentiment - he has permitted two earned runs or fewer in 17 of his 25 starts and owns the second-lowest ERA in baseball but has yet to reach double digits in wins.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, Fox

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Max Scherzer (18-1, 2.82 ERA) vs. Mets RH Matt Harvey (9-4, 2.25)

Scherzer ran his winning streak to five games by holding Kansas City to two runs on five hits over eight innings in his last turn to become the fifth pitcher since 1912 to win 18 of his first 19 decisions. He has been perfect away from home with a 7-0 record and 2.29 ERA in 12 starts. Scherzer is 1-0 with a 4.26 ERA in three career appearances versus the Mets but will be facing them for the first time since Aug. 11, 2009.

Harvey has won only once in his last five outings despite allowing a total of 10 runs in that span. He did not factor in the decision last time out after limiting San Diego to two runs over six innings - the third time in five starts he has failed to go past six frames. Harvey has been sensational at home, logging a 4-2 record with a 1.83 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and .181 batting average against.

WALK-OFFS

1. Scherzer is making his second appearance at Citi Field this year - he was the AL starter in the All-Star Game in July.

2. Mets RF Marlon Byrd has seven multiple-hit games in his last 11 contests.

3. Tigers 3B Miguel Cabrera has reached base in 26 straight games and has 19 games with at least three RBIs this season.

PREDICTION: Tigers 3, Mets 2