MLB Game Of The Week: Los Angeles Angels at Detroit Tigers

The Angels head to Detroit Wednesday for the second game of a three-game series, with star pitcher Shohei Otani getting the start for Los Angeles. Tarik Skubal (8-10) will be on the mound for Detroit. Los Angeles beat the Tigers 8-2 on Tuesday with Mike Mayers getting the save.

With the score tied 2-2 in the ninth Tuesday, Angels center fielder Jo Adell picked a great time to hit his first home run of the season, a grand slam that was part of a six run inning at the expense of Tigers' reliever Gregory Soto. Detroit's struggles on the mound began with starter Casey Mize, who gave up two runs on four hits and four walks before exiting in the fourth. The Tigers managed four innings of scoreless relief from Michael Fulmer, Jose Cisnero, Kyle Funkhouser and Joe Jimenez before Soto entered in what became a disastrous ninth inning. 

The Tigers Miguel Cabrera, sitting at home run No.499 going into the game, was 0 for 2 with two walks, only adding to a disappointing night in Detroit. He'll have a chance to get No. 500 tonight, but he'll more than likely have to go through the formidable Shohei Otani to do it. 

Otani (7-1) does it all for Angels, who at 60-61 are sitting in fourth in the AL West. Otani leads the team in home runs (39) RBIs (86) and OBP (.364). Oh and of course he can pitch also. At 7-1 with a 2.94 ERA and 112 strikeouts, it appears there is nothing he can't do as a baseball player. The Angles have struggled without Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon, but are continuing to get plenty of offensive prediction from third baseman David Fletcher, who is hitting a team-leading .298 with 23 doubles in 467 plate appearances. 

Detroit started the season 9-24, but have clawed their way to third in the AL Central and cannot be taken lightly. Wednesday's starter Skubal has also turned his season around. After an 0-8 start, he's 7-4 since 5/25, including two back-to back wins with 0 earned runs allowed in his last two starts. Jonathan Schoop has been an offensive force at the plate, leading Detroit in several offensive categories, including batting average (.284) RBIs (66), and hits (130), while while catcher Eric Hasse has a team-leading 19 home runs. 

The Tigers have been a solid 33-28 at home, and have to be hungry to avenge Tuesday's loss, a very winnable game they let get away from them late. But with Ohtani on the mound I can't bet against the Angels. My prediction: Los Angeles 5-3, with Cabrera easing Tigers' fans pain by hitting No. 500. 


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