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The New York Yankees thrashed the Tampa Bay Rays 4-0 in their home series last weekend and look certain to win the AL East. The Rays now have a mountain to climb and their chances of making the play-offs are slim at best.

One team that is very much in the play-off hunt is Detroit. The Tigers hold a five game lead over Minnesota in the AL Central. This is one tough division with only five games separating the first three teams. Detroit host Toronto on Sunday featuring two very talented pitchers.

Rick Porcello starts for the Tigers and this young man has had a sensational season. The right hander from New Jersey is just 20-years-old but he has a record of 12-8 and a solid ERA of 4.26. Porcello has a variety of pitches and has a fantastic fastball. His accuracy has paid dividends this year and his pitch count is low.

The Blue Jays start Ricky Romero who has a record of 12-7 and an ERA of 4.14. Romero is the one shining light in this disappointing Toronto team. This rookie has managed to pitch like a veteran in the toughest division in baseball and is the future of this Blue Jay team. I think Toronto could spring the upset in this game and they should be a fair price. Toronto will swing the bat as they have nothing to lose and all the pressure will be on the home team.

I am really looking forward to this game as it is rare to see two very young pitchers with so much talent to battle each other.
　
Later on Sunday the Los Angeles Dodgers take on division rivals the San Francisco Giants in a critical NL game. The Dodgers once had a 9.5 game lead in the NL West but now they are only two games ahead of Colorado and things are getting very tense in the clubhouse. In over fifty years in LA the Dodgers have never blown a lead this big.

Brad Penny is on the hill for the Giants and he will want to hand out a beating to his former club. Penny served the Dodgers well but as soon as he picked up a shoulder injury he was let go in a ruthless move by LA. He has pitched very well for the Giants and has a record of 9-8.

The Dodgers start Chad Billingsley who has a 12-9 record for the season. Billingsley has been a little wayward recently and all the pressure will be on him to deliver in this huge game.

I think this will be a close affair but I just favour the Giants in this one.