The set-up: The Tigers came to Cleveland Friday night to open an important three-game series with the Indians. Cleveland owned a six-game lead over Detroit in the AL Central but the Tigers were right in the middle of a six-team race for the two AL wild card spots. Game 1 of the series was decisively won by the Indians, as Corey Kluber won his 17th games as Cleveland won 11-4. Cleveland now owns a seven-game lead in the division, while the Tigers find themselves tied with Seattle, three games back of the two wild card leaders (Jays and Orioles are tied at 81-66).

The pitching matchup: Justin Verlander (14-8, 3.33 ERA) takes the mound for Detroit and Carlos Carrasco (11-8, 3.32 ERA) gets the ball for Cleveland. Verlander got off to a slow start in 2015 but all in all, has had a nice bounce-back season. That said, Verlander has lost all three starts this season against the Indians, sporting an ‘ugly' 9.18 ERA. He's 18-21 with a 4.70 ERA in 46 career appearances against Cleveland (team is 21-25) and those 21 losses are by far the most Verlander has against any other major league opponent. Carrasco lasted only 3 2/3 innings at the Chicago White Sox on Monday, giving up five runs (four earned) and eight hits. However, he is 3-0 in his last four starts at Progressive Field and the Indians are 8-4 in all of his home starts this season.

The pick: Carraso has been a .500 pitcher lifetime against the Tigers but he is 2-0 with a sparking 0.51 ERA against them this season, permitting one run over 17 2/3 innings. The Indians are 48-25 against all opponents this year at home (averaging 5.81 RPG) and more importantly, Cleveland's 11-4 win over Detroit gives the Indians a 12-1 record against the Tigers in 2016. Same old, same old for Saturday. Cleveland is a 10* play.