Preview of Tigers-Royals Game

DETROIT (Interstat) — Two American League Central rivals looking to break free from early-season mediocrity will meet Wednesday when the Detroit Tigers host the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park.

Both teams enter the contest with identical 7-9 records. The Royals took the series opener 1-0 on Tuesday.

The pitching matchup features right-handers with contrasting early results. Kansas City’s Seth Lugo (1-1) will oppose Detroit’s Jack Flaherty (0-1). Lugo has been a steadying presence for the Royals, while Flaherty seeks his first win in a Tigers uniform.

Weather could be a factor, with a forecast of 74 degrees and rain at game time.

A player to watch for Kansas City is pitcher Noah Cameron, though he is not scheduled to start. In his last outing on April 12, a 6-5 loss to the Chicago White Sox, Cameron allowed five earned runs over 5 1/3 innings. He previously pitched well in a 2-1 loss at Cleveland on April 7, giving up one earned run in 5 2/3 innings.

For Detroit, all eyes will be on left-handed ace Tarik Skubal. He is coming off a dominant performance last Thursday, holding the Miami Marlins to two hits and one run over 6 2/3 innings in an 8-2 victory. His season began with a tough-luck 1-0 loss at Arizona on April 1, where he allowed one run over seven innings.

The Royals arrive after a frustrating 6-5 loss to the White Sox on Sunday, despite a late rally. The Tigers have won three of their last four, including an 8-2 win over Miami on Sunday powered by Skubal’s arm and a three-RBI day from catcher Dillon Dingler.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the Tigers are projected to win 5-3. Detroit has been installed as a pregame favorite with a spread of -1.5. The over/under is set at 8 runs.

Following Wednesday’s game, the series concludes Thursday before both teams embark on difficult road trips. The Royals head to New York for a three-game set with the Yankees, while the Tigers travel to Boston for a four-game series against the Red Sox.