Tigers vs Twins Odds - Weekend battle for first in Central
The Tigers vs Twins odds this weekend will have a certain level of importance. Online sports betting handicappers know that the Twins will be looking to gain ground on the Central leading Tigers, and with three games in this series, they can erase the gap in the standings with a sweep.
Tigers vs Twins Odds: Tigers cling to thin lead in Central
- Tigers have lost four of last six games
- Liriano starting to find his stride after rough start to the season
- Blackburn has been one of the best pitchers in baseball since May
Tigers vs Twins odds: Luke French (0-0) vs Kevin Slowey (10-3)
Friday, 8:10 PM ET
MLB betting handicappers will get to see the return of Luke French to the Majors, as he’ll get first start of the season. French got the call after pitching six quality starts in Toledo where he struck out 41 batters and posted an ERA of 1.66.
He’ll face Kevin Slowey, who is tied for the AL lead in wins. Slowey got roughed up in his last start, pitching just three innings while allowing five earned runs and two home runs, but will look to bounce back here. Tigers vs Twins betting handicappers should note that Slowey’s a perfect 8-0 at home.
Tigers vs Twins odds: Edwin Jackson (6-4) vs Francisco Liriano (4-8)
Saturday, 8:10 PM ET
The sportsbook odds makers might have a tricky time setting the line for Saturday’s matchup, given that the situation is somewhat unusual. Edwin Jackson has been an unexpected stud for the Tigers this season, while Liriano has been an unexpected dud. Even so, Liriano is slowly regaining his form of late and had an ERA of 3.77 in June.
Jackson has produced 10 straight quality starts together, and with Liriano pitching a little better lately, the under might be a good play for this matchup.
Tigers vs Twins odds: Rick Porcello (6-4) vs Nick Blackburn (6-4)
Sunday, 8:10 PM ET
Tigers vs Twins betting handicappers know that Rick Porcello has been a nice surprise this season, but the 20-year-old starter is coming off his worst start in two months. Porcello was rocked for nine hits and five earned in just 4.1 innings pitched in his most recent start on Monday. The disturbing fact was that for the first time this year, Porcello didn’t strike anyone out.
Meanwhile, Nick Blackburn has been as consistent as can be over the last two months. As a matter of fact, he’s been one of the best pitchers in baseball. Since May 10th, Blackburn has started 10 times averaging seven innings per start while posting an ERA of just 2.12 in the span. His WHIP is a sparkling 1.19 in that time. Blackburn has yet to lose at home this year (3-0) so stick with him.
SKIP’S PICK: Twins to win two out of three
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Before his arm flamed out, Dale “Skip” Lalonde was famous for his high-90s heat and power at the plate. He retired young but never turned his back on baseball, earning the nickname “Skip” for his high-school coaching prowess. A true student of the game, he loves crunching the numbers when he handicaps baseball. Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
