Detroit @ Cleveland preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 7, 2013 ) Detroit 6, Cleveland 5

Max Scherzer knows a thing or two about prolonging a lengthy winning streak. Scherzer looks to extend Detroit's run to 12 contests as the visiting Tigers wrap up a four-game series with the struggling Cleveland Indians on Thursday night. Scherzer won his first 13 decisions and aims to bolster his already strong Cy Young credentials against an Indians club that has fallen six games behind Detroit in the American League Central.

Cleveland sends right-hander Zach McAllister to the hill in an attempt to avoid a four-game sweep. McAllister is winless over his last five starts, but has had success against the Tigers over the course of his career. The Tigers, who needed 14 innings to subdue the Indians 6-5 on Wednesday night, travel to the Bronx for a weekend series against the New York Yankees while the Indians entertain the Los Angeles Angels.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSD (Detroit), STO (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Max Scherzer (16-1, 2.85 ERA) vs. Indians RH Zach McAllister (4-6, 3.47)

Scherzer has bounced back nicely from his lone loss of the season, surrendering just two runs over his last 21 2/3 innings. He has been especially stingy over his previous two starts, limiting the Chicago White Sox and Philadelphia Phillies to four combined hits over 13 2/3 frames. "It is pretty tough to do much against Scherzer right now," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said following last weekend's 3-0 win. "He's just got too much stuff."

McAllister hasn't won since May 23, but has shown improvement in three starts since returning from a sprained right middle finger. The 25-year-old allowed two runs over seven innings in a no-decision against the White Sox, then followed it up with 5 1/3 solid innings against the Miami Marlins. McAllister has a 2.28 ERA in 23 2/3 career innings against Detroit, including a six-inning quality start on May 12.

WALK-OFFS

1. Detroit has won 10 of the last 11 meetings between the clubs, including seven of eight at Progressive Field.

2. Cleveland hitters are batting a combined .210 with two home runs in 210 career at-bats against Scherzer.

3. McAllister hasn't surrendered a home run since his May 23 victory, a span of 29 innings.

PREDICTION: Tigers 6, Indians 1