Doug Fister starts for the Tigers tonight and he's been really consistent throughout the year and he posts a 1.87 ERA against the A's over his last 5 starts. Fister has great control and won't walk many hitters which the A's often rely on to get guys on base and get wins. Oakland's offense scored some runs the last two days but with everyone starting for the Tigers tonight I have to believe they want to avoid any type of sweep at home this late in the season.
Dan Straily takes the mound for the A's and he's been awful of late posting a 1.68 WHIP over his last 5 starts he's got a 4.70 ERA and 5.49 ERA on the road and at night. In his 5 road starts on 4days rest (like he is tonight) he has a 6.49 ERA and he faces a Tigers offense that scores over 5.5 runs per 9 vs. RHP at home and is batting .342 vs. RHP over their last 10 games . Oakland's bullpen over that period has a 5.06 ERA and they have not ps well on the road I'm expecting Detroit to win here.
We took a tough loss last night on this play as the Angels scored 2 runs to get the late lead. It's obvious the young guys on this team want to play spoiler and they definitely can again tonight. Looking at the pitching match up I like Garret Richards raw stats to give the Rays trouble. The guy is only giving up line drives and with an average fast ball of 95 mph with a nasty slider he should pitch well. Meanwhile Chris Archer is over rated he's been lucky with a 80% strand rate and a .230 BABIP. His xFIP or true ERA is over a run higher than his actual ERA.
Royals are still in the hunt and can continue to dominate the Twins again tonight with a win. They have won 16 of 21 and outscored them 52-25 in the last 7 meetings. Danny Duffy has been solid despite what his stats say as he struggled a bit after coming back from Tommy John, but I think he'll give the Twins troubles tonight. Andrew Albers on the other hand is worn out already 162 innings 60 more than previous years and I don't think he can continue to rely on luck. His average FB is 85 mph and he's given up 10 ER in his last two starts so the league is starting to get a good scouting report on him. The Royals have also hit lefties well on the road with a .272 average and 4.75 runs per 9. Over their last 10 they are even better .306 and 6.08 while the Twins are scoring just 2.74 and have really struggled with runners on. Royals also have the advantage in the bullpen and desire to win as the Twins are 15-41 in their last 56 home vs. a winning team.
