GDT: 8/11/11 - DET (61-55) AT CLE (58-56) - 7:05 p.m. ET

Eyes on Verlander in finale of crucial set with Tribe

By Jon Star / MLB.com | 8/11/2011 1:14 AM ET

The first two games could not have played out any better for the Indians.

Not only did the newly acquired Ubaldo Jimenez pitch his club to a pivotal win on Wednesday, but the Indians head into Thursday's finale two games behind the Tigers in the American League Central and in position to sweep the series.

Cleveland should feel it has all the momentum, considering the Tribe has now won 13 games in a row at home against the Tigers, but sealing the sweep comes with a tall challenge in the form of Justin Verlander.

"Gotta get there sometime," Verlander said. "Hopefully we never look back."

The Tigers' ace has already been called on to salvage a series four times since mid-May, but Thursday's start comes with the added pressure of giving his club a little more breathing room in the AL Central. Jim Leyland moved Verlander up in the rotation, not necessarily for this situation, but in hindsight, it may prove extremely valuable.

The Tigers are hoping Verlander can mirror his last outing against the Indians, when he took a no-hitter into the eighth inning on June 14 at Comerica Park and settled for a two-hit, 12-strikeout effort. The right-hander has not won at Progressive Field since May 8, 2010.

Indians right-hander Fausto Carmona has endured a rocky season, but he has been sharper since returning from the disabled list last month. Carmona is 1-1 with a 2.81 ERA over three starts, and he acknowledged he will need to maintain a good rhythm to help his team clinch a sweep.

"I think for me, the key is to throw one inning, one pitch, and take my time with each pitch," Carmona said. "I feel more confident on the mound."

Carmona's lone start against the Tigers this season came on June 15, when he yielded four runs (two earned) on seven hits over five innings and picked up the win.

Tigers: Martinez mashing since May
Victor Martinez had a rather slow first eight weeks of the season, but since May 27, the slugger has been on a tear. Martinez is hitting .342 (84-for-245) with 14 doubles and 39 RBIs over 65 games during that stretch, including a .423 (11-for-26) average so far in August. Martinez has come up clutch, hitting .536 (15-for-28) with runners in scoring position since July 17 and owns a .408 mark in those scenarios on the season.

Indians: Kipnis crushing it
Jason Kipnis' hot start to his Major League career continued on Wednesday, as he hit his sixth career home run in his 16th big league game. Kipnis has hit safely in nine of his past 11 games, dating back to July 31, and his batting average jumped from .232 to .295 thanks to a five-hit night. Kipnis is the second rookie in Indians history to homer in four straight games, which he did between July 31 and Aug. 3.

Worth noting
The Indians' walk-off hit-by-pitch on Tuesday night was the 18th time this season they have won a game in the final at-bat, tying the Royals for the most in the American League. Thirteen of those wins have come at Progressive Field.

Tigers: RHP Justin Verlander (16-5, 2.30 ERA)

The Tigers switched up their rotation order to pit Verlander against their closest division competitors. He endured a scorching night in Kansas City to beat the Royals and join CC Sabathia as the Majors' only 16-game winners.


Indians: RHP Fausto Carmona (5-11, 5.19 ERA)

Carmona allowed four runs (two earned) in a no-decision Saturday at Texas. Since returning from the 15-day disabled list on July 18, the right-hander is 1-1 with a 2.81 ERA in four starts.


Game Information

RECENT RESULTS: The Tigers suffered a 10-3 loss to the Indians last night. Rick Porcello (11-7) took the loss for Detroit after allowing eight runs in 3.2 innings of work. Wilson Betemit led the Tigers with two hits and two RBI, while Ryan Raburn added a run-scoring triple. The Tigers continue a nine-game road trip tonight with the final game of a threegame series at Cleveland. Following this evening’s game, the club heads to Baltimore to
conclude the trip with a three-game series against the Orioles.

CENTRAL FOCUS: Tonight versus Cleveland marks the sixth game in a stretch in which the Tigers play 12 of the club’s next 15 games against opponents in the American League Central Division. Of Detroit’s final 46 games of the season, 31 are versus teams in the American League Central Division. The Tigers are 25-16 against clubs from the American League Central Division this season, a .610 winning percentage. Detroit is tops among all American League clubs with the .610 winning percentage against the division.

ON THE OFFENSIVE VERSUS THE INDIANS: The Tigers have collected 10-or-more hits in 10 of the club’s last 14 games against Cleveland dating back to August 20, 2010. Detroit is hitting .289 (147x509) with 55 runs scored, 24 doubles, two triples and eight home runs during that 14-game stretch versus the Indians.

MIGGY MASHES AGAINST THE TRIBE: Since joining the Tigers in 2008, Miguel Cabrera is hitting .335 (78x233) with 15 home runs and 51 RBI in 60 games against the Cleveland Indians. He is tops among all active major league players with 15 home runs and 51 RBI versus the Indians during that stretch.

ACTION JACKSON’S A HIT IN CLEVELAND: Austin Jackson enters tonight’s game at Cleveland having hit safely in 11 of his 12 games during his career at Progressive Field. He is batting .333 (18x54) with three doubles, a triple and three RBI in 12 games at the park during his career. Jackson enters tonight’s game hitting .340 (36x106) with eight doubles, a triple and four RBI in 24 games during his career against the Indians.

VALVERDE’S CONVERTING SAVES: Jose Valverde converted his 32nd consecutive save to begin the season on Saturday at Kansas City. His 32 straight saves converted matches the longest such streak during a single season in Tigers history. Guillermo Hernandez also converted 32 straight save opportunities for the Tigers April 6-September 23, 1984.

VERLANDER SEEKS HIS 100TH WIN TONIGHT: Justin Verlander takes the mound tonight at Cleveland looking to become the 16th pitcher in Tigers history to register 100 wins with the club. Tonight is the 191st start of Verlander’s career and with a win tonight he would become the fastest Tigers pitcher to reach 100 wins since Denny McLain did so in the 189th outing (181st start) of his career on June 16, 1969 at Yankee Stadium.

VICTOR AT THE BAT: Victor Martinez is hitting .343 (84x245) with 14 doubles, two home runs and 39 RBI over his last 65 games dating back to May 27. He is third among all American League players with a .343 batting average during that stretch.

BULLISH BEHAVIOR: Tigers relievers have compiled a 1.01 ERA (26.2IP/3ER) and 24 strikeouts over the club’s last six games dating back to August 4. During the six-game stretch, club relievers have limited opponents to a .138 batting average (12x87).

MARTINEZ COMES THROUGH WITH RUNNERS IN SCORING POSITION: Victor Martinez is hitting .517 (15x29) with runners in scoring position for the Tigers dating back to July 17. He enters tonight’s game against the Indians tops in the American League with a .404 batting average with runners in scoring position.

ALL IS WELL WITH ALBURQUERQUE: Al Alburquerque has compiled a 5-0 record, 1.16 ERA (23.1IP/3ER) and 34 strikeouts over his last 22 outings for the Tigers dating back to May 21. He has not allowed a run over his last eight outings, tossing eight scoreless innings. Alburquerque is tops among all American League relievers with a .141 batting average against and 4.38 hits per nine innings, while he is second with 13.86 strikeouts per nine innings, tied for fifth with five wins and is sixth with 57 strikeouts.

BENOIT ON THE BALL: Joaquin Benoit enters this evening’s game with a 2-0 record, 2.22 ERA (28.1IP/7ER), two saves and 26 strikeouts over his last 31 outings dating back to May 20. He has limited opponents to a .216 batting average (21x97) during the stretch.


RESCHEDULED GAMES: The following is the information on the rescheduled Tigers games postponed at Comerica Park this season:
- Thursday, September 1 versus Kansas City at 1:05 p.m. (rescheduled from May 15)

INJURY UPDATE:

• RHP Joel Zumaya (right elbow olecranon fracture surgery, 60-day disabled list on March 30).
• LHP Brad Thomas (left elbow inflammation, 60-day DL on May 11)



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• Friday, August 12:
Tigers (RHP Brad Penny (7-9, 4.92 ERA)) AT
Orioles (RHP Alfredo Simon (3-5, 4.08 ERA)),
7:05 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / WXYT 97.1 FM & 1270 AM)

• Saturday, August 13:
Tigers (RHP Max Scherzer (11-7, 4.33 ERA)) AT
Orioles (RHP Jeremy Guthrie (5-15, 4.38 ERA)),
7:05 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / WXYT 97.1 FM & 1270 AM)

• Sunday, August 14:
Tigers (RHP Doug Fister (4-12, 3.37 ERA)) AT
Orioles (LHP Jo-Jo Reyes (0-1, 7.71 ERA)),
1:35 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / WXYT 97.1 FM & 1270 AM)

• Monday, August 15:
Tigers (RHP Rick Porcello (11-7, 4.93 ERA)) VS
Twins (LHP Francisco Liriano (7-9, 5.00 ERA)),
7:05 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / WXYT 97.1 FM & 1270 AM)

STARTING LINEUPS:

TIGERS

1. Austin Jackson, CF
   
2. Ryan Raburn, LF
   
3. Magglio Ordonez, RF
   
4. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
   
5. Victor Martinez, DH
   
6. Jhonny Peralta, SS
   
7. Carlos Guillen, 2B
   
8. Alex Avila, C
   
9. Wilson Betemit, 3B
   

INDIANS

1. Carrera, CF
2. Kipnis, 2B
3. Hafner, DH
4. Santana, 1B
5. Fukudome, RF
6. Duncan, LF
7. Chisenhall, 3B
8. Donald, SS
9. Marson, C

DET - Top 1st
B:2 S:2 O:0
Austin Jackson reaches on throwing error by third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall. Austin Jackson to 2nd.

B:0 S:1 O:1
Ryan Raburn grounds out, catcher Lou Marson to first baseman Carlos Santana. Austin Jackson to 3rd.

B:0 S:1 O:2
Magglio Ordonez out on a sacrifice fly to right fielder Kosuke Fukudome. Austin Jackson scores.
1 - 0

B:0 S:1 O:3
Miguel Cabrera grounds out, third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall to first baseman Carlos Santana.

CLE - Bot 1st
B:0 S:0 O:1
Ezequiel Carrera lines out to left fielder Ryan Raburn.

B:0 S:1 O:2
Jason Kipnis flies out to left fielder Ryan Raburn.

B:2 S:3 O:3
Asdrubal Cabrera out swinging.

1 - 0 AFTER 1 INNING

DET - Top 2nd
B:1 S:1 O:1
Victor Martinez flies out to right fielder Kosuke Fukudome.

B:0 S:0 O:1
Jhonny Peralta singles on a fly ball to center fielder Ezequiel Carrera.

B:4 S:2 O:1
Carlos Guillen walks. Jhonny Peralta to 2nd.

B:1 S:2 O:1
Alex Avila singles on a ground ball to left fielder Shelley Duncan. Jhonny Peralta scores. Carlos Guillen to 2nd.
2 - 0

B:2 S:2 O:1
Wilson Betemit singles on a ground ball to second baseman Jason Kipnis. Carlos Guillen scores. Alex Avila to 3rd.
3 - 0

B:2 S:1 O:2
Austin Jackson out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Fausto Carmona to first baseman Carlos Santana. Alex Avila scores. Wilson Betemit to 2nd.
4 - 0

B:0 S:2 O:3
Ryan Raburn pops out to second baseman Jason Kipnis.

CLE - Bot 2nd
B:3 S:3 O:1
Travis Hafner out swinging.

B:0 S:0 O:1
Carlos Santana homers (18) on a fly ball to right center field.
4 - 1

B:1 S:3 O:2
Kosuke Fukudome called out on .

B:0 S:3 O:3
Shelley Duncan out swinging.

4 - 1 AFTER 2 INNINGS

DET - Top 3rd
B:0 S:3 O:1
Magglio Ordonez out swinging.

B:1 S:0 O:1
Miguel Cabrera doubles (32) on a line drive to left fielder Shelley Duncan.

B:4 S:1 O:1
Victor Martinez walks.

B:2 S:2 O:1
Jhonny Peralta singles on a ground ball to left fielder Shelley Duncan. Miguel Cabrera to 3rd. Victor Martinez to 2nd.

B:0 S:1 O:3
Carlos Guillen lines into double play, second baseman Jason Kipnis to third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall. Victor Martinez doubled off 2nd.

CLE - Bot 3rd
B:0 S:1 O:1
Lonnie Chisenhall pops out to second baseman Carlos Guillen.

B:4 S:2 O:1
Lou Marson walks.

B:1 S:0 O:2
Ezequiel Carrera pops out to catcher Alex Avila in foul territory.

B:4 S:2 O:2
Jason Kipnis walks. Lou Marson to 2nd.

B:1 S:2 O:2
Asdrubal Cabrera doubles (27) on a line drive to right fielder Magglio Ordonez. Lou Marson scores. Jason Kipnis scores.
4 - 3

B:2 S:3 O:3
Travis Hafner out swinging.

4 - 3 AFTER 3 INNINGS

DET - Top 4th
B:1 S:0 O:1
Alex Avila grounds out to first baseman Carlos Santana.

B:1 S:3 O:2
Wilson Betemit out swinging.

B:0 S:0 O:3
Austin Jackson flies out to right fielder Kosuke Fukudome.

CLE - Bot 4th
B:2 S:2 O:1
Carlos Santana grounds out, first baseman Miguel Cabrera to pitcher Justin Verlander.

B:2 S:1 O:2
Kosuke Fukudome flies out to left fielder Ryan Raburn.

B:0 S:0 O:3
Shelley Duncan flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson.

4 - 3 AFTER 4 INNINGS

DET - Top 5th
B:2 S:3 O:1
Ryan Raburn out swinging.

B:2 S:1 O:2
Magglio Ordonez flies out to right fielder Kosuke Fukudome.

B:0 S:3 O:3
Miguel Cabrera out swinging.

CLE - Bot 5th
B:3 S:2 O:0
Lonnie Chisenhall singles on a line drive to left fielder Ryan Raburn.

B:0 S:0 O:1
Lou Marson grounds into a force out, right fielder Magglio Ordonez to shortstop Jhonny Peralta. Lonnie Chisenhall out at 2nd. Lou Marson to 1st.

B:3 S:3 O:2
Ezequiel Carrera out swinging. Lou Marson steals (2) 2nd base.

B:1 S:3 O:3
Jason Kipnis out swinging.

4 - 3 AFTER 5 INNINGS

DET - Top 6th
B:3 S:2 O:1
Victor Martinez flies out to center fielder Ezequiel Carrera.

B:3 S:2 O:2
Jhonny Peralta grounds out, pitcher Fausto Carmona to first baseman Carlos Santana.

B:1 S:1 O:2
Carlos Guillen doubles (2) on a line drive to right fielder Kosuke Fukudome.

B:1 S:0 O:3
Alex Avila grounds out, first baseman Carlos Santana to pitcher Fausto Carmona.

CLE - Bot 6th
B:3 S:3 O:1
Asdrubal Cabrera called out on .

B:4 S:2 O:1
Travis Hafner walks.

B:1 S:1 O:2
Carlos Santana flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson.

B:2 S:3 O:3
Kosuke Fukudome called out on .

4 - 3 AFTER 6 INNINGS

DET - Top 7th
B:2 S:3 O:1
Wilson Betemit out swinging.

B:1 S:3 O:2
Austin Jackson called out on .

B:2 S:2 O:2
Ryan Raburn singles on a line drive to center fielder Ezequiel Carrera.

B:2 S:0 O:3
Magglio Ordonez grounds out, shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera to first baseman Carlos Santana.

CLE - Bot 7th
Defensive Substitution: Don Kelly replaces right fielder Magglio Ordonez, batting 3rd, playing right field.

B:1 S:3 O:1
Shelley Duncan called out on .

B:1 S:0 O:2
Lonnie Chisenhall flies out to right fielder Don Kelly.

B:1 S:2 O:3
Lou Marson flies out to right fielder Don Kelly.

4 - 3 AFTER 7 INNINGS

DET - Top 8th
Pitcher Change: Joe Smith replaces Fausto Carmona.

B:1 S:0 O:1
Miguel Cabrera lines out to center fielder Ezequiel Carrera.

B:2 S:1 O:2
Victor Martinez grounds out, shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera to first baseman Carlos Santana.

B:2 S:3 O:3
Jhonny Peralta out swinging.

CLE - Bot 8th
Pitcher Change: Joaquin Benoit replaces Justin Verlander.

B:0 S:3 O:1
Ezequiel Carrera out swinging.

B:2 S:3 O:2
Jason Kipnis out swinging.

B:1 S:1 O:3
Asdrubal Cabrera grounds out to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

4 - 3 AFTER 8 INNINGS

DET - Top 9th
Pitcher Change: Tony Sipp replaces Joe Smith.

B:0 S:0 O:1
Carlos Guillen flies out to center fielder Ezequiel Carrera.

B:1 S:2 O:2
Alex Avila flies out to left fielder Shelley Duncan.

B:1 S:0 O:2
Wilson Betemit singles on a ground ball to left fielder Shelley Duncan.

Coaching visit to mound.

B:2 S:3 O:3
Austin Jackson out swinging.

CLE - Bot 9th
Defensive Substitution: Ramon Santiago replaces second baseman Carlos Guillen, batting 7th, playing second base.

Pitcher Change: Jose Valverde replaces Joaquin Benoit.

B:1 S:3 O:1
Travis Hafner called out on .

B:1 S:0 O:2
Carlos Santana pops out to second baseman Ramon Santiago.

B:2 S:0 O:3
Kosuke Fukudome grounds out, second baseman Ramon Santiago to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.