The set-up: The Tigers look to sweep the White Sox as this three-game series in Detroit wraps up on Sunday afternoon. Detroit has scored 25 runs in the first two games, pounding out 33 hits (including seven HRs). The Tigers have won three straight and four of five to climb within a game of .500 at 27-28. Meanwhile, the White Sox pitching woes extend further back than the last two games of this series, as Chicago's staff has allowed a total of 42 runs during a four-game slide which leaves the team at 24-30.

The pitching matchup: David Holmberg (0-0 & 2.51 ERA) is getting a second straight turn in Chicago's rotation and he draws Detroit ace Justin Verlander (4-4 & 4.50 ERA). Holmberg earned himself a spot start on the strength of six straight hit-less relief appearances and was credible at Boston on Monday, allowing three runs on two hits and three walks in four innings without factoring in the decision. He threw 72 pitches in that start and will be stretched further on Sunday if he can pitch as well vs. Detroit as he did against Boston. Holmberg iwill be making his first career appearance against Detroit. Verlander is coming off a tough-luck loss the last time out, allowing just one run on six hits over seven innings at Kansas City (Royals won 1-0). The loss was a nice bounce-back after the former MVP and Cy Young winner was knocked around for six runs in 5 2/3 innings at Houston in his previous outing. Verlander struck out a season-high 10 in 6 1/3 innings to earn a win at Chicago in the season opener and is 20-13 with a 3.95 ERA in 40 career starts against the White Sox (Tigers are 24-16).

The pick: Verlander over Holmberg is the definition of a pitching mismatch and expect the Tigers to reach .500 for the first time since being 21-21 back on May 21. Make Detroit an 8* play.