Indians-Tigers: What to watch

By foxsports
Published

DETROIT -- The last time Carlos Carrasco faced the Tigers, he produced a linescore for the ages. The right-hander is hoping that things are a little less hectic tonight as the Indians open a pivotal three-game series at Comerica Park.

On Sept. 2, Carrasco went 5 1/3 innings and allowed 10 hits but also struck out a career-high 10. The only run he allowed came via a bases-loaded walk. According to baseball-reference, it was the first time in the Majors over the past 100 years that a pitcher has allowed 10 hits while striking out 10 and allowing no more than a run in fewer than six innings.

In six starts since joining the rotation on Aug. 10, Carrasco is 4-0 with a 0.70 ERA and has allowed only three earned runs in 38 2/3 innings. He has struck out eight or more in three of his last four starts, including eight last Sunday as he went 8 2/3 innings in beating the White Sox.

Said Carrasco about his return to the rotation: "I figured it out after, why I couldn't do it in the beginning of the season. They sent me to the bullpen and my mentality is way different right now. The way that I pitch right now is more aggressive and I need to continue to do that."

In six career starts, has gone 1-4 against the Tigers with a 8.78 ERA.

Carrasco (7-4, 2.69) will be opposed by David Price, who held the Indians to a run on eight hits in a 12-1 win on Sept. 1. The left-hander (13-11, 3.33 ERA) leads the American League in innings pitched (219) and strikeouts (243). Price is 6-1 lifetime against Cleveland with a 2.86 ERA.

The playoff chase: This is a pivotal weekend for the division and wild card races. At 76-69, the Indians are four games behind the Royals and 3 1/2 in back of Seattle for the second wild card. Detroit (80-66) is tied for the top wild card and is a half-game out of the division.

The Royals are in a four-game series against the Red Sox while the Athletics and Mariners meet in a three-game set.

Success in Detroit: The season series with the Tigers is tied at 8-8, but the Indians are 4-2 in games played at Comerica Park, including taking three of four in the first series after the All-Star break. Detroit though has won four of the last five overall, including taking three of four last week at Progressive Field.

Streaking: Carlos Santana is 7 for his last 15 with a pair of home runs and four RBI. During the second half of the season he is third in the AL in home runs (13), OPS (.949) and fifth in RBI (40).

Tigers vs. Carrasco: Miguel Cabrera 5-15, HR, 2 RBI; Torii Hunter 6-15, 2 HR, 4 RBI; Victor Martinez 4-14l Ian Kinsler 3-12, RBI; Alex Avila 3-9, 2 RBI; Rajai Davis 2-7; J.D. Martinez 2-7; Nick Castellanos 2-4; Eugenio Suarez 1-4; Bryan Holaday 0-1; Don Kelly 0-1; Andrew Romine 0-1.

Indians vs. Price: Mike Aviles 5-20; Ryan Raburn 5-16, RBI; Carlos Santana 6-15, 2 RBI; Michael Brantley 2-13, RBI; Michael Bourn 3-12; David Murphy 2-10, 2 RBI; Lonnie Chisenhall 3-6, HR, 3 RBI; Jason Kipnis 1-6; Jose Ramirez 0-4; Jesus Aguilar 0-2; Yan Gomes 0-3; Jason Giambi 0-2; Zach Walters 1-2.

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