Boston at Detroit

Boston's offense has surged since a slow April start, now third in the league in runs scored, second in on-base percentage, and sixth in slugging. The Red Sox are on a 24-9 run on the road, plus 80-34 against a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30. Starter Rick Porcello is 2-0 with a 2.77 ERA in four starts against the Tigers since leaving them for Boston. The Red Sox are also 10-3 when Porcello is on the road against a team with a losing record. Detroit is a mess, 12-30 at home, on a 3-16 slide overall. The offense is last in runs scored and on-base percentage, #29 in slugging. Starter Jordan Zimmermann (5.36 ERA) is winless and the Tigers are 7-19 when he starts at home, as well as 6-22 when he faces a winning team. With Detroit 14-42 against a right-handed starter, back the defending champs. Play Boston.