Off a home loss, the Tigers are 5-3 in their last 8, surprisingly good as a home underdog, and have a very hot starter on the hill for Thursday. Lefty Rodriguez has only been back for 2 games but has thrown an impressive 1 run over 11 innings in that time. The Mariners don't generally do well vs left handers.

Definitely in the thick of the wild card race, the Mariners have won 6 of 8, but they aren't doing it on their offense. At .200/.663 OPS, they are lucky that the pitching, both starters and relievers, has delivered. Gilbert hasn't matched his first start numbers, is just 0-2 5.55 ERA in his last 7 games, but that ERA is largely a result of a two game beating by the Yankees. He has looked just okay, giving up 2, 2, and 3 runs over 17 innings in his last 3 starts. He does have a very good bullpen to support him.

The Tigers are the worst team in the league on offense for the season, but have hit surprisingly well lately , even climbing into the top eight over the last week. They can't match the Mariners' bullpen pen, but the Tigers' relievers have been solid in support of Rodriguez's last two games.

The M's will have a tough time against E-Rod. He is exactly the kind of pitcher they struggle against; a tough left hander. Gilbert has not been at his best, and the Tigers' offense has been solid. I expect the Tigers to embrace the spoiler role, possibly winning but at least keeping it close. Take the Tigers on the run line, at + 1 1/2.