MLB Picks: The Kansas City Royals and the Detroit Tigers will square off in a game three rubber match tonight at Comerica Park in Detroit. The Tigers evened the series last night, getting an 8-5 win with Justin Verlander on the mound. The Royals, however, are being favored to take the series as online bookmaker Bodog.com has Kansas City listed at -131 on the moneyline in their MLB Picks: Royals vs Tigers MLB Betting Odds – July 8, 2009.
The Tigers maintained their two game lead over the White Sox in the American League Central division as they pounded out eight runs against KC last night. Royals starter Bruce Chen suffered most of the damage with Detroit hitting him up for seven runs in just 4.2 innings.
Justin Verlander, while not overly sharp, did more than enough to secure the victory. The Virginia native gave up seven hits and three earned runs, but also struck out 11 while walking none.
The Tigers, which are now 24-12 at Comerica this season, will give 23 year old southpaw Lucas French the start tonight. French has appeared in three games this year, but made his first start last week against the Twins. The Salina, Kansas native gave up six hits and two earned runs in just over four innings of work. Detroit went on to win the game 11-9.
Kansas City snapped a three game win streak yesterday and fell to 36-47 in the process. The Royals are currently in fourth place in the AL Central standings and trial the Tigers by nine games. The loss, KC's fifth in the last 10 games, brought their road record to a dismal 14-23 on the season.
Royals skipper Trey Hillman will counter Detroit's young lefty with his staff ace, Zack Greinke. Greinke, who will start for the American League in next week's All-Star Game, has been brillant this season, accumulating a 10-4 record and a lowly 2.00 ERA in 17 starts. The 25 year old right-hander is 4-2 in seven road starts this year with a 2.17 ERA. He is also 2-0 against the Tigers in 2009; he has given up just nine hits and one earned runs to Detroit in 18 innings pitched (1 walk and 18 strikeouts).
Tonight's AL Central tilt is slated for a 7:05pm ET start at Comerica Park in the Motor City.
Series/Game Note: Kansas City is 14-12 versus the Tigers since last season and they are 8-3 in their last 11 games at Comerica Park.
Bodog.com MLB Picks: Royals vs Tigers MLB Betting Odds – July 8, 2009
Kansas City Royals -1.5 (+120), Over 8 (-125), -131 (Moneyline)
Detroit Tigers +1.5 (-140), Under 8 (+105), +121 (Moneyline)
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