First pitch: Tuesday, 10:10 p.m. ET
Line: Detroit -115, Los Angeles +105, Total: 6.5

The two runners-up for their respective league championships, the Tigers and Dodgers, meet for a quick two-game series in L.A. starting Tuesday night.

Detroit has started its 2014 campaign out strong after losing to the eventual World Series champions, the Red Sox, in six games last season in the ALCS. The Tigers took their first loss of the season on Sunday afternoon, losing 3-1 to the Orioles, but were excited to see Torii Hunter explode for his third home run (7 RBI) of the three-game series. Los Angeles started the year off strong with wins in four of its first five games, but most recently lost a three-game set against the Giants this past weekend. The Dodgers did pull out one win in the series on Sunday, winning 6-2 behind the strong pitching performance from Zack Greinke (6 IP, 2 ER, 8 K’s) who was backed by two home runs from both Matt Kemp and Hanley Ramirez. OF Yasiel Puig (thumb) did not play in the game and is considered day-to-day for now. Detroit will be sending reigning AL Cy Young Award winner RHP Max Scherzer (0-0, 0.00 ERA) to toe the rubber after he earned the no-decision in his season debut despite pitching eight scoreless innings. Veteran RHP Dan Haren (1-0, 0.00 ERA) will get the start for L.A. and also looked very impressive in his debut with the Dodgers, earning a win after allowing just one unearned run in his six innings. Bettors should take notice that when Haren is pitching at home with the total being 7.5 or less over the past two seasons, his team has a record of only 4-13. But, Detroit is a paltry 9-20 after batting .333 or better over a three-game span since the beginning of last season. These two teams do not face each other often, and June 22, 2011 was the last time they played. The Dodgers won that series 2-1 and are 9-6 against the Tigers since 2000.

Max Scherzer dominated the American League during the 2013 season, ranking 1st in wins (21), 5th in ERA (2.90), 1st in WHIP (0.97) and 2nd in strikeouts (240) on his way to his first career Cy Young Award. He also owned the Royals in his 2014 debut, striking out seven while allowing just four hits (0 ER) in eight innings, but came away with a no-decision. He has faced the Dodgers just five times over his career, putting together a 1-3 record (1-4 team record) and 4.55 ERA (1.20 WHIP). His last start came back in 2011 when he received a loss after surrendering six runs on nine hits while striking out just three in six frames. OF Andre Ethier has given him the most trouble, going 6-for-15 (.400) with a home run. On the other hand, both OF Matt Kemp (0-for-16, 4 K’s) and 1B Adrian Gonzalez (3-for-17, 3 K’s) have had major trouble against Scherzer. The Tigers bullpen, which has been their crutch over the past few seasons, has pitched poorly to start the year, combining for a 6.08 ERA (1.65 WHIP) and converting only one of two save opportunities. Their offense has bailed them out thus far, though, as the relievers have combined for a 3-0 early season record despite the subpar numbers. Closer Joe Nathan (6.75 ERA, 1 save) blew that save last Wednesday for Detroit, but his team rallied back and eventually won the game by a score of 2-1.

The Dan Haren acquisition is looking that much better for the Dodgers now that their No. 1 starter, Clayton Kershaw, is on the DL. Haren did not disappoint in his first game with L.A. either, throwing six strong innings against the Padres, allowing one run (0 ER), four hits and striking out six with zero walks in the winning effort. He has actually seen his ERA rise from 3.17 to 4.33 to 4.67 over the past three seasons, so this season-opening outing was hopefully a sign of things to come for the 11-year veteran. Haren has started 12 times against the Tigers over his career, putting together a record of 5-4 (6-6 team record) with a 3.92 ERA (1.20 WHIP). His past two games against them have not been great though, as he has given up 17 hits and six runs in just 11.2 innings, while compiling an impressive 11-to-1 K-to-BB ratio. Detroit’s top bats could run into trouble in this contest with 1B Miguel Cabrera (4-for-19, 3 K’s), OF Torii Hunter (1-for-11, 3 K’s), OF Austin Jackson (2-for-11) and 2B Ian Kinsler (8-for-36, 6 K’s) all hitting poorly against Haren. The one player who has done well in the matchup is DH Victor Martinez, who has gone 9-for-26 (.346) with two doubles, a homer and 4 RBI when facing the righty. The Dodgers’ bullpen has been tremendous so far in the early going with a 2.79 ERA (1.24 WHIP) and 37 strikeouts (16 walks) in 29 innings pitched. Kenley Jansen (2.25 ERA, 2 saves) has already pitched in five games (4 IP), going 2-for-2 in save opportunities and striking out eight batters (18.00 K/9).