The Detroit Tigers (28-26 SU, -1.20 Units) are lugging around a seven-game losing streak heading into their weekend series with the Chicago White Sox (24-27 SU, -4.09 Units). They'll hope that their skid will be over by the time Sunday's series finale comes around.
ODDS ANALYSIS
This has been a brutal run in just about every facet of the game for the Tigers. They’ve been outscored by an average of 3.83 runs per game in this stretch, and they haven't had a single run-line victory either along the way. Detroit has not only dropped nearly seven units for moneyline bettors in this skid, but it has also lost a hefty 10.97 units for run-line bettors to boot.
PITCHING MATCHUP
This is not a good spot to be in for Jeff Samardzija, even though the Tigers have been struggling of late. The righty generally has a terrible time against heavy-hitting teams, as demonstrated against the stout Texas lineup earlier this week. He allowed nine runs over five frames, including two home runs, and that's now nine home runs in 11 starts this season.
Samardzija has already allowed as many runs this season (42) as he did in his entire time last year in Oakland (42 runs in 14 starts) and his entire time with the Cubs (44 runs in 17 starts).
Last season, Alfredo Simon more or less jumped the shark after making the All-Star Game with the Reds, and we wonder if his last start against the A's this week was the beginning of the end of his good start to this year.
The righty allowed four runs over 6.1 innings of work and was saddled with the loss, but the bigger concern was his five walks issued. Simon has had problems in spurts with his control over his career, and if that continues in this one, it might be just what Chicago’s offense needs to get back on track.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"It's very tough, very tough. Losing is no fun at all. We've gotta go out there and have fun. It's the only way we can get out of this." – Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera on Detroit's losing streak
PROP TALK
Jose Abreu is back in the Chicago lineup after missing a few games with a finger injury, and he seems to be just fine at this point. After going through a stretch from May 9 through June 2 with just two home runs, the Cuban blasted off again on Wednesday night with a homer and three RBIs. He could be set to explode once again in this game.
SITUATIONAL BETTING
We are concerned about the Tigers in their bullpen as well. They don't have any real flamethrowers that have K/9s in the 12-13 range, and in fact, they don't have anyone with a K/9 of even 8.0 this year either.
Joba Chamberlain and Joakim Soria, the two used at the back of the bullpen, have ERAs of 1.17 and 1.21 respectively, but they both have FIPs in the mid-2.00s, which is a sure sign that things are probably going to get worse before they get better at the tail end of games for the Tigers.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Still, we think that this is the game where Detroit’s offense finally gets things turned around. The Tigers are most certainly capable of scoring runs, and Samardzija might finally be the pitcher who gives those dingers up to a lineup with so much potential.
The White Sox should still do alright in this series, and we think they do have a legitimate chance of a sweep in our eyes, but even though Simon might be on the verge of destruction, we have to believe that he is at least going to be able to keep the Tigers in this game.
Detroit 7, Chicago 4
The MLB odds for this game will be available first at BookMaker Sportsbook. Gamble on the game between every half inning with BookMaker's live betting feature. Along with an adjusted in-game moneyline, you can wager on what will happen in the next at-bat or how many runs will be scored in the next inning. Live betting is the most exciting way to play!
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone with BookMaker's new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting every. Click here, and start wagering today! First pitch for the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Chicago White Sox is schedule for Sunday, June 7, 2015 at 2:10 p.m. ET at US Cellular Field in Chicago, IL. The duel can be seen live on WGN.
