Tigers at Indians
The Cleveland Indians built a big division lead early last season before fading late, and they will try to solidify their hold on the division lead again this year with a three-game showdown of American League Central contenders against the Detroit Tigers. Detroit went 12-6 against Cleveland last season despite losing all three in the first matchup of the season. The Tigers won the last 10 meetings dating to Aug. 10.
The Indians lead the division by 2 1/2 games over Chicago and are three games clear of the Tigers in large part because of their 10-7 record against the division. The Tigers haven't won back-to-back games since April 17-18 against the Royals.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Detroit (Detroit), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Rick Porcello (3-3, 5.12 ERA) vs. Indians RH Ubaldo Jimenez (4-3, 5.09 ERA)
Porcello is coming off consecutive rough outings. He hasn't won since May 6 and hasn't lasted past the fifth inning in his last two starts. His defense hurt him Wednesday against Minnesota, as he allowed six runs – only two earned – in four innings. Porcello is 5-1 with a 3.86 ERA in 12 starts against Cleveland, but he struggled against the Indians last season, posting a 6.41 ERA in five starts.
Jimenez has alternated wins and losses in his last four starts and is coming off a win against Seattle in which he allowed three runs on five hits over six innings. Jimenez has struggled in seven starts against Detroit, going 2-5 with a 6.18 ERA, including a 2-3 mark and a 6.35 ERA in five starts last season.
WALK-OFFS:
1. Cleveland OF Shin-Soo Choo has hit safely in eight consecutive games and is 12-for-32 (.375) during the streak.
2. Detroit OF Delmon Young has given Jimenez fits, going 8-for-15 (.533) with a home run and four RBIs against him.
3. Indians C Carlos Santana has hit Porcello hard. He is 6-for-16 (.375) with three home runs and four RBIs.