Houston @ Detroit preview

Last Meeting ( May 5, 2013 ) Detroit 9, Houston 0

The Detroit Tigers punished the Houston Astros earlier this month and attempt to do so again when they open a three-game series on Monday at Comerica Park. The Tigers swept a four-game series in Houston, outscoring the Astros 37-8. Houston moved to the American League this season and is making its first visit to Detroit since 2006. The Astros were swept by the Texas Rangers over the weekend to conclude a 2-8 homestand.

The Tigers are tied with Cleveland for first place in the American League Central after they dropped a 4-3, 10-inning game to the Indians on Sunday. Detroit was one out away from winning in the ninth when closer Jose Valverde blew the save. Houston enters the series with a four-game losing streak. The Astros are just 4-12 on the road and have the worst record in the majors at 10-28. The franchise’s previous worst 38-game mark was 12-26 in both 1967 and 1975.

TV: 7:08 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet Houston, Fox Sports Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Bud Norris (4-3, 3.40 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Anibal Sanchez (3-3, 1.97)

Norris received a no-decision against Detroit on May 3 when he allowed two runs and five hits in seven innings. He struck out a season-best seven and matched a season high with three walks. Norris defeated the Los Angeles Angels in his last start when he allowed one run over eight innings. He has given up two earned runs or fewer in six of his eight outings.

Sanchez has lost back-to-back starts since striking out a career-high 17 in eight innings against Atlanta on April 26. He has 34 strikeouts in his last 20 innings. Sanchez has allowed two or fewer earned runs in six of his seven starts. He is 3-1 with a 2.08 ERA in seven career starts against the Astros.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tigers 3B Miguel Cabrera is batting .404 with four homers and 14 RBIs during an 11-game hitting streak.

2. Astros 2B Jose Altuve is batting .343 on the road this season.

3. Detroit CF Austin Jackson (hamstring) is expected back for the opener after sitting out Sunday.

PREDICTION: Tigers 5, Astros 3