Texas @ Detroit preview

Texas at Detroit

Last Meeting ( Jul 12, 2013 ) Texas 2, Detroit 7

Max Scherzer will attempt to become the first pitcher in major-league history to enter the All-Star break 14-0 Saturday, when the Detroit Tigers continue their three-game home series against the Texas Rangers. Sixty-six pitchers have posted 14 or more wins before the Midsummer Classic, but each of them suffered at least one loss. A win would allow Scherzer to match Roger Clemens’ 14-0 start in 1986 and keep him on pace for the American League record of 15-0 shared by Johnny Allen and Dave McNally.

History is on Scherzer’s side as he has yet to lose in seven career turns against the Rangers, who have scored four runs during their three-game slide. Derek Holland hasn’t factored into the decision in any of his five career outings against Detroit, but Texas is undefeated in those starts – including two against Scherzer during the 2011 postseason. Holland is 4-0 with a 2.63 ERA over his last seven road starts and will face a Detroit team that is only 9-12 against left-handed starters.

TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, Fox

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Derek Holland (7-4, 3.19 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Max Scherzer (13-0, 3.06)

Holland improved to 2-0 with a 2.07 ERA over his last three turns despite giving up five runs (three earned) over 6 2/3 innings in Monday’s 8-5 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. The left-hander, who is 5-1 with 3.06 ERA on the road, has rebounded from a rough three-start stretch during which he went 0-2 with a 6.23 ERA. Holland was roughed up for four runs over 4 2/3 innings on May 19 against the Tigers and is allowing opposing hitters to bat .309 in July.

Scherzer remained on track to match Clemens' start but did not factor in the decision in Monday’s 4-2, 10-inning victory over the Cleveland Indians. The first-time All-Star - unbeaten over his last 22 regular-season and postseason outings – permitted two runs on seven hits and matched a season high with three walks but struck out seven. Scherzer has been much more effective on the road (2.20 ERA) than at home (4.01), but is 4-0 with a 3.35 ERA in seven career regular-season turns against the Rangers.

WALK-OFFS

1. Scherzer's 18-game unbeaten streak to begin the season is the fourth-longest such run in the majors since 1916.

2. Tigers 3B Miguel Cabrera is five RBIs shy of becoming the third player in major-league history with 100 by the break.

3. Detroit DH Victor Martinez is batting .446 with nine RBIs and 10 runs scored during his 14-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Tigers 4, Rangers 2