No matchup is better tonight than Kevin Millwood vs. Freddy Garcia as the Indians face the White Sox in round one of their battle for the AL Central title.

Millwood leads the American League in ERA but his record is just 8-11. In his last eight starts, Cleveland lost four games in which he allowed 3 runs or fewer. Kevin is keeping his team close, but the Indians offense needs to give him some support to win.

Left-handed batters possess a clear advantage vs. Millwood. In about the same number of at bats, lefties knocked out 20 more hits and drew 10 more walks. The White Sox, however, don't have many lefties to take advantage of this weakness.

One weakness that will work in the White Sox favor is the stolen base. Millwood does not stop stolen bases as opponents succeeded in 30 or 35 attempts vs. Kevin and his catcher.

Freddy Garcia is coming off a blow out loss to the Kansas City Royals. This year, Garcia's pitched his best against the tough competition. His ERAs are high vs. the Devil Rays, Marniers, Royals and Orioles but low against the Yankees, Indians, Twins and Athletics.

One strength these pitchers share is toughness with runners in scoring position. They're 1-2 in the AL in that category, Millwood allowing a .189 batting average, Garcia .203.

If it's going to be tough to drive in men from second and third, solo home runs might decide this game. Garcia's given up more than Millwood, 24 for Freddy, 19 for Kevin. The teams batters are 2-3 in September in hitting home runs, but it's really not that close. The Indians have 30 dingers this month while the White Sox hit 21.

Enjoy!

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