Detroit at Kansas City

The Tigers were sailing along with a 57-36 record and appeared poised to duplicate what they did last season. Then the wheels fell off. Over the last quarter of the season the Tigers have been one of the worst teams in baseball, posting a 14-26 record (.350)! For the answer, just look at their hurlers. The pitching has been the worst in baseball over this stretch, and yes, that includes worse than Tampa Bay! The Tigers staff has allowed 249 runs in their last 40 games good for 6.2 runs per game (RPG) for the opponent. Jeremy Bonderman has been struggling to say the least. Bonderman was 10-1 on July 13, but hasn't sniffed a win since and it is easy to see why. He has worked 47.2 innings, allowed 65 hits and 43 runs, on way to an ERA of 8.12 and a 0-6 mark. The Royals have been under the radar all season. They are assumed to be the doormat in the AL Central, but a look at their last half of a season. Covering 70 games, they are 37-33! They are also 21-14 (.600) in their last 35 at home. Leo Nunez has bolstered the staff with his call-up after the break. He has pitched the Royals to four wins in his five starts, and with an ERA of three, has been providing quality starts. Everyone remembers the Royals going to Detroit for the final series of the season and sweeping the Tigers. They have now won four of the last five played this year, and no reason to think things change today. We'll ride KC again tonight.