The Kansas City Royals will host the Detroit Tigers as the AL Central rivals kick off a four game series Thursday night from Kauffman Stadium. The Tigers will hand the ball to 32-year old right-hander Mike Fiers, and the Royals will counter with 25-year old left-hander Eric Skoglund. The season series is currently tied three games apiece.
Fiers Targets Second Win Against Royals This Season
Mike Fiers will get the nod for the fifth time of the campaign, aiming for his second straight Quality Start. Fiers allowed three runs in six innings in Baltimore in his previous start, and he was charged with the loss to drop his record to 2-2. The veteran right-hander has pitched reasonably well in his first month with the Tigers, posting a 3.91 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP in 23 innings logged. He took on the Royals a few weeks ago and he conceded four runs (two earned) in 5.1 innings, and he sits at 2-3 with a 4.55 ERA in six career starts against the division rivals. Lucas Duda is 5 for 10 with one RBI against Fiers, while Mike Moustakas is 5 for 11, and Salvador Perez is 2 for 12.
Nick Castellanos is swinging a hot bat for the Tigers, accumulating 16 hits along with 12 RBI’s in his last ten games. The 26-year old right fielder did start slow, however he has his average up to .310 to go with two homers and 18 RBI’s on the season. Castellanos went 7 for 25 with seven RBI’s against the Rays last season. The Tigers are scuffling at the plate, now averaging 4.50 runs, ranking them 15th in the Majors. They are carrying a 4.17 team ERA, placing them 17th in the Major Leagues.
Pick: Royals – Tigers OVER 9.5
Other Major Moves Today:
– Dodgers under 7
– Mets OVER 9
– Yankees +105
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