5* Pre-All-Star Break Game of the Year

Detroit vs. Tampa Bay, 06/29/2012 19:10 EDT, Score: 2 - 4

Money Line: -120 Detroit

Sportsbook: 5Dimes

Result: Loss

5* Pre-All-Star Break Game of the Year on Tigers -120
I love the Tigers at this price with ace Justin Verlander on the bump against a Tampa Bay club that is hitting just .222 at home.

Verlander, who is 9-2 on the money line in 11 career starts versus the Rays, is in great form. The Rays are 4-0 in his last 4 starts, and he has allowed 2 earned runs or fewer in each.

David Price, meanwhile, hasn't been quite as sharp lately, as evidenced by the 5.21 ERA he's carrying over his last 3 starts.

The Rays are 0-4 in their last 4 overall, 0-4 in their last 4 games versus a right-handed starter, 0-5 in their last 5 home games versus a team with a losing road record, 0-6 in their last 6 after being held to 2 runs or less in their previous game and 0-7 in their last 7 versus the American League Central.

The Tigers have won 10 of their last 12 versus the Rays, and I expect their dominance to continue with Verlander getting the ball tonight.