Game 134 Preview: Tigers at White Sox

Detroit Tigers (73-60) at Chicago White Sox (60-73)

Time/Place: 1:10 p.m. E.T.,U.S. Cellular Field

SB Nation blog: South Side Sox

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

Pitching Matchup: RHP  Max Scherzer (15-4, 3.13 ERA) vs. LHP Chris Sale (10-3, 2.03 ERA)

Chris Sale has been probably second only to Felix Hernandez among American League pitchers over the 2014 season in terms of effectiveness. His numbers compare favorably with Scherzer, the reigning Cy Young winner. Max has a slight advantage in WAR due to the fact that he has pitched more innings than Sale.

Chicago's left handed ACE will poll well in the Cy Young voting, as will Scherzer. The Tigers' ACE is having another fine season as he marches toward free agency and a mega-contract after this season. His strikeouts are actually higher than a year ago, while his BB and HR rates have remained steady. More balls have fallen in for hits, and he has allowed a modestly higher ERA, but he remains one of the best starting pitchers in the game.

Scherzer was originally slated to pitch the second game of today's double header, but when Chicago moved Sale up to the afternoon game, the Tigers followed suit and the showdown is in tact.

Hitter to fear: Avisail Garcia is hitting.333 against Scherzer (2 for 6)

Hitters to fail: Jose Abreu is just 2 for 13, batting .154/ .154/ .231/ .385. Adam Dunn has struck out 23 times in 47 at bats against Scherzer.

Outlook:

The White Sox have lost eight of their past nine games, and six of their last eight at home. They are reduced to the role of spoilers again this season, with not much in the minors to give them hope. After winning the last series in Detroit, Chicago has gone 7- 17 during the month of August.

Prediction:

Scherzer goes eight innings and the Tigers win a low scoring affair, with Nathan slamming the door.