The Tigers try to stop the Indians from tying the Oakland Athletics AL record of 20 consecutive wins. The match-up favors the Indians, however, as Matt Boyd faces Corey Kluber. Boyd owns a 5.93 ERA thanks in large part to a .326 BA allowed with runners in scoring position. Kluber is involved in a tough Cy Young race with Chris Sale, Sale leading in Tom Tango Cy Young points due to more innings and a better strikeout rate. Kluber had some problems with Detroit this season, however, with a 5.24 ERA in four starts, but a 2-1 record.

Colorado sends Jon Gray against Arizona and Taijuan Walker. Gray limited the success of opponents with runners in scoring position, allowing just a .200 BA, 16 for 80 with 25 strikeouts. Walker dominated the Rockies this season, 2-1 in four starts with a 1.90 ERA. He struck out 27 Colorado batters in 23 2/3 innings.

Justin Verlander leads the Astros against the Angels as Houston battles for the best record in the league and LAnaheim tries to gain on the Twins in the AL Wild Card race. Garrett Richards takes the mound for the Angels. Verlander made a good first start for Houston, giving up one run in six innings while striking out seven. Richards makes his third start of the season, having allowed one run in eight innings.

Finally, Clayton Kershaw takes on Johnny Cueto as first plays worst in the NL West. Kerhsaw is 2-1 with a 1.80 ERA against the Giants this season. That’s normally very good, but it’s kinda sorta normal Kerhsaw. He also has the only win for the Dodgers in their last 17 games. Cueto last finished a season with an ERA over 4.00 in 2009. The 20 home runs in 126 innings hurt.

I would also like to point out that the Dodgers are 35-30 when Adrian Gonzalez plays, .538, 57-22, .722 without him.

I would also be remiss in not mentioning M. Gonzales versus M. Gonzalez battle in the Seattle at Texas game. Winner decides for the rest of time which letter ends the name.

Enjoy!