Oakland at Detroit

This is a huge statement series for the Detroit Tigers as they look for the sweep of the Oakland A's. Last year the A's were beaten by the Tigers in the first round of the playoffs, and it was Justin Verlander who pitched the 3-0 shutout. The Tigers were slumping earlier in June, have rattled off 10 wins in their last 12 games. Verlander has held the A's in check throughout his career, pitching to a stellar 2.48 ERA in 15 career starts against them. Chavez has already recorded a loss vs. Detroit this season. The A's have been pretty gloomy when playing to a high total from 9 to 10.5 where they are just 2-10 in their last 12, while Detroit is 25-10 behind Verlander in the same total range. Take Detroit.