The Detroit Tigers continue to maintain a one-game lead in the American League Central that was maintained with a win over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday after David Price gave up just three runs, but secured the 4-3 win. Now Justin Verlander takes the mound in hopes of regaining some of his elite form that has been inconsistent this season. The former Cy Young winner has not been his typical dominant self, but Detroit needs him to step up now with the postseason on the line.
Verlander is 14-12 with a 4.68 ERA on the season while not being as effective as he was over the past two seasons prior. He likely will finish the year with his worst ERA since 2008 after giving up more hits than innings pitched for the first time since 2006. He also will not reach 200 strikeouts for the first time in order six seasons. The low stats does not mean Verlander is not coming up big when he needs to. The pitcher gave up just one run over seven innings to the Kansas City Royals to give the team a two-game lead over them. That is much better than his first three stars of the month where he accumulated a 6.05 ERA.
The Detroit Tigers continue their success at home, having won seven of their last nine games while the magic number to clinch is now down to two. Getting a Wednesday afternoon will certainly help while they finish the season with a four-game stand against the Minnesota Twins. The Royals will face off against the White Sox as they chase the Tigers for the division.
Chicago will put up Chris Sale who has looked every bit elite this year. He recently took over the best ERA in league with a 2.20, topping Felix Hernandez who is at 2.34 following a loss on Tuesday. Sale gives the White Sox the best chance at getting division while also likely winning the AL ERA title. He must be better than his last outing where he gave up five runs and nine hits over just five innings. He likes pitching against the White Sox, bueing 302 with a 1.74 ERA in his last six starts.
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