Oakland Athletics (84-64) at Detroit Tigers (79-69)

Time/Place: 1:00 p.m., Comerica Park

SB Nation Blog: Athletics Nation

Media: Fox Sports Detroit, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network

Pitching Matchup: LHP Tommy Milone (13-10, 3.81 ERA) vs. RHP Anibal Sanchez (8-12, 4.02 ERA)

Milone has been a huge part of the A's rotation this season, averaging 6 1/3 innings per start. He went through a rough stretch in July and August where he allowed 21 runs in four starts, but has rebounded nicely by winning four of his last five starts. He pitched 7 innings of one-run ball against the Tigers earlier this year. One important nugget: Milone has a 5.13 ERA on the road this season compared to 2.68 at home.

I heard about Sanchez's excellent outing against the Cleveland Indians on Saturday afternoon, but I wasn't able to see it so I'm not 100% sure it actually happened.

OK, now that I'm done complaining (again), I can point out that his win over the Tribe was his fifth consecutive quality start. He is 2-2 with a 1.89 ERA in those five outings, prompting me to be the first person to openly clamor for the Tigers to re-sign him this offseason. His 22 strikeouts to 3 walks in this stretch shows me that Sanchez is getting very comfortable in the AL. 4 years, $30 million? I'm down.

Outlook

I will not get excited until the Tigers are one game back. I will not get excited until the Tigers are one game back. I will not get excited until the Tigers are one game back.

Prediction

Triple Crown watch goes into full effect with another Miguel Cabrera homer.