MLB Odds – New York Yankees vs. Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers have the chance to outduel the Yankees this afternoon. After two straight wins against the American League East leaders, the Tigers look for the win today to take the four-game series.

However, the MLB odds favor New York, with the run total set at nine runs.

New York Yankees (17-11) vs. Detroit Tigers (14-17)

Thursday, May 5 at 1:05 PM ET

Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan

TV: YES, FSD

MLB Odds: New York -1.5, Detroit +1.5, Game Total: 9 runs

New York has been pitiful at the plate in its last two games, both losses. The team has managed to score only two runs in both outings, as the bats are lifeless. Whereas, on the other side, the Detroit bats are finally picking up, perhaps due to a change in the lineup with the reinsertion of Victor Martinez alongside slugger Miguel Cabrera. The Tigers have outscored the Yankees 8-2 in the last two games at Comerica Park.

Cabrera is hitting .500 against New York this season, so the Yankees will send AJ Burnett to the mound tonight, who is coming into the month of May off great success. With four wins on the season, Burnett got a win over the Tigers to start the season. The veteran righty threw for five innings while allowing only three runs in the win.

Opposite Burnett, Detroit will start Rick Porcello. Although he pitched well, Porcello is coming off a loss to the Cleveland Indians, where he allowed only two runs and got seven strikeouts. With only one victory on the season, Porcello looks to try his luck against the Yankees, and especially against Derek Jeter, who is 0-9 against Porcello.

MLB Pitching Matchup:

A. Burnett (4-1, ERA 3.93) vs. R. Porcello (1-2, ERA 4.25)

Although Burnett has been pitching better as of late, note that he has a 7.07 ERA in his last seven starts against the Tigers. Although streaky, Cabrera has been unstoppable in 2011, and now supported by the bats of Magglio Ordonez and Martinez, the Tigers are primed for a run up from the third spot in the American League Central.

The best bet is against the MLB odds today. Pick the Tigers to get the win at home and win out the series over the Yankees.

MLB Odds Free Pick – Go with Detroit +1.5!