Professional sports handicapper Jeff Grant previews the third game of a four-game series between the Detroit Tigers and Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre

Detroit captured in easy 9-0 road victory over Toronto at the Rogers Centre thanks to a dominating performance by starting pitcher Justin Verlander. The right-hander came inches away from perfection, but settled for tossing his second career no-hitter. "I felt fantastic - obviously, I was extremely excited," Verlander stated. "Being able to recall the last one and go through it, it was really able to calm me down." He became just the 28th player in Major League history to record multiple no-hitters, including postseason play. The Tigers have now won four of their last five games and their offense has collected at least one extra-base hit in all 34 games this season, including four yesterday. Detroit is 9-9 in day games this season.

Tigers starting pitcher Brad Penny will be making his eighth start of the season, coming in with a 2-3 record and 5.23 ERA. The right-hander has worked six-or-more innings in each of his past three starts, posting a 2-1 mark and 1.80 ERA over that span. Penny has compiled a 47-57 record and 4.65 ERA in 146 appearances on the road during his major league career compared to a 63-34 record and 3.66 ERA in 149 outings at home. He will be making his fifth appearance at the Rogers Centre this afternoon, going 2-1 with a 3.80 ERA in his previous four outings.

Toronto was shutout by Detroit for the first time since April 5, 2004, but has still won six of the last 10 meetings at the Rogers Centre. The Blue Jays are hoping to have Jose Bautista and Aaron Hill back in the lineup after being sidelined with injuries. Bautista's return is more of a toss-up due to back spasms, but Hill is likely to come off the 15-day disabled list. "He was in getting some treatment, as he has been most of the morning," Jays manager John Farrell stated. "He's going to do some work in the cage, then he'll be out here taking BP." Toronto is 3-12 in day games this season.

Blue Jays starting pitcher Jo-Jo Reyes enters with an 0-2 record and 4.66 ERA thru six starts this season. The left-hander is coming off a solid effort on the road against Tampa Bay, allowing just a single run and four hits over six innings of work in receiving a no-decision. Reyes is looking for his first win since June 13, 2008, which is a span of 24 starts. Since that last victory, he is 0-11 with a 6.94 ERA.

Bettors will be interested in backing the Tigers due to their 6-1 record versus left-handed starters, while the Blue Jays are 0-5 in their last five Sunday games.
 

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