Detroit vs. Cleveland: MLB AL Central Division Series Finale
American League Central division action is our focus today as the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Indians wrap up a four game series. The Indians are looking to split the series and move to within 1.5 games of the AL Central leading Tigers. This Major League Baseball battle is scheduled for 7:05 PM EDT on Monday, July 8, 2013, from Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio.
Tigers Max Scherzer aims for 14-0 MLB season start
In addition to the hype surrounding the Tigers and Indians first place battle in the AL Central, Detroit pitcher Max Scherzer has added some mystic of his own to this contest today. With a win tonight, Scherzer would move his record to 14-0 to start the 2013 MLB season – a feat last accomplished by Roger Clemons back in 1986. Scherzer would then be one victory away from the modern-day American League best start record of 15-0 set by Indians pitcher Johnny Allen and matched by Dave McNally of the Baltimore Orioles in 1969. Before dropping a 9-6 decision to Cleveland yesterday, Detroit (48-39) had won seven straight games versus the Indians.
Cleveland Indians: Playing well above 2013 expectations
It’s been hot in Cleveland this year as the Indians are one of the more surprising teams in Major League Baseball. The Tribe, who were sporting a +1000 line to win the American League Central division back in March, are now posted with +250 odds at many online sportsbooks. Run production is the main reason for Cleveland’s success as they sit fourth overall in the league with 427 runs scored. It’s a good thing the bats are hot because the Indians 4.47 team ERA is the third worst mark in the Majors. LHP Scott Kazmir (4-4 ERA 4.86) who is 1-0 ( 1.89 ERA) in his last three starts, heads to the hill for Cleveland in this contest.
Indians vs. Tigers Wagering Lines & Advantage Sports Betting MLB Free Pick
Sportsinteraction.com is our lines provider for the Detroit vs. Cleveland clash and the SIA bookmakers have the Motor City Cats posted as road chalk at -1.5 (-105) ATS and -160 on the money line. The Tribe are home pups at +1.5 (-115) ATS and +135 S/U while the Over/Under is set 8.5 (O -115 U -105) total runs. Scherzer has given up three runs or less in ten straight starts. That streak began with a masterful eight inning, three hit, one earned run, performance in 5-1 win by the Tigers at Progressive Field back on May 21, 2013. With the Tigers (46 runs in 6 games) and Indians both swinging relatively hot bats, we will back the better pitcher in this contest. We’ll load up here and cruise with the Cats with the -160 ML at SportsInteraction!
