2012 Cardinals vs Tigers Betting Predictions
The Cardinals haven’t done much in this stretch of Interleague play, going just 4-5 against the likes of Cleveland, Chicago and Kansas City.
St. Louis Cardinals (34-33) vs Detroit Tigers (32-34)
Tuesday June 19
Comerica Park – Detroit, MI
7:05PM
Moneyline: Detroit -150, St. Louis +140
O/U: 7
PITCHING MATCHUP: St. Louis RH Lance Lynn (10-2, 2.42 ERA) vs. Detroit RH Justin Verlander (6-4, 2.66 ERA).
St. Louis
This team is in the top 12 in both scoring and ERA but it has only amounted to a game over .500 and they are 5 games back of the Reds in the standings.
In squaring off against Detroit they are seeing another squad that is trying to get out of neutral. These teams have not met since 2009.
Fans are in for a treat with both teams’ aces squaring off in the series opener. The Cardinals must be ecstatic with the performance of rookie Lance Lynn. It wasn’t sure what his role would be in Spring Training and all he has done is tie for the NL lead in wins with a top 10 ERA.
8 of his 13 starts have been on the road and he is a slick 6-1 in those outings. Lynn is coming off his best start in the Majors last time out – a 1-0 nothing against the White Sox in which he struck out 12. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
Detroit
The Tigers have been enjoying seeing some fresh Interleague faces and are in the midst of a solid 7-3 stretch.
They have won 3 straight series as the return of outfielder Austin Jackson has meant a more dynamic lineup and stronger defensive presence up the middle. There is still lots of time for this team to show the form many expected in the preseason, especially if the pitching improves.
There is not much room for improvement with start Justin Verlander. He may seem a bit mortal in June but his 103 strikeouts leader the Majors and his ERA is 4th best in the AL. At home his numbers have been fantastic with an ERA under 2.
In fact, opponents only hit a scant .166 against him at Comerica which makes it stunning that his home record is just 2-2. When JV pitches the value is usually on the other side but this is about as good as it gets if you like backing him.
O/U Pick: Over
Score Prediction: Detroit 6 – St. Louis 2
