The 2-8 Tigers are struggling and down a pair in their road series vs the Red Sox. They are woeful on the road this year and very poor vs right-handed pitching. They have been hitting for average lately but just can’t seem to score enough runs for a victory.

The Red Sox are the reverse at 8-2, and while their bats have cooled slightly, they are still getting the job done. They are a solid home team, and dominant (12-4) vs left handers. The Sox start Michael Wacha, who seems fully recovered from his brief stint on the IL. Three of his last four starts have been very sharp, and his ERA is just 1.98 in June. Wacha has been very sharp at home, with a 1.03 ERA in Fenway this season.

His opponent, lefty Tariq Skubal (3.13 ERA) has had some very good starts this season, but he has gone downhill progressively in his last 2 starts, allowing 4, and then 5 earned runs. His ERA has climbed to 4.70 in June. He has had no run support in his last two starts; the Tigers have been shutout in both games.

All roads point to a Red Sox victory, and I am taking the favorite today. The Tigers’ pen, one of their stronger suits this year, has not been successful of late. I’ll take the Red Sox’ offense any day. Take Boston for a home victory today.