GDT: 8/15/11 - DET (64-56) VS MIN (52-67) - 7:05 p.m. ET

Tigers return home for AL Central clash with Twins

By Evan Drellich / MLB.com | 8/14/2011 6:21 PM ET

A day after the American League Central-leading Tigers start a three game-series with the Twins at 7:05 p.m. ET on Monday, the White Sox and Indians begin their own three-game series on Tuesday.

It's not a prudent time for the Tigers to take the fourth-place Twins lightly.

Detroit leads the division by 2 1/2 games over Cleveland and four games over Chicago, and if the Tigers falter against the Twins, they're guaranteed to lose ground to one of the team's nipping at their heels.

The Tigers had won three in a row entering Sunday, but the Orioles salvaged the final game of a three-game set in Baltimore, 8-5. That was the end of a nine-game roadtrip for Detroit, and now it gets six in a row at home, with Cleveland coming to town next.

For the Twins, who have plenty of opportunities to play spoiler in the jam-packed divisional race, there's also continued anticipation for Jim Thome's 600th home run. Thome, who's two long balls away from one of the game's rarest milestones, last went deep on Aug. 4 in Anaheim.

"He's the true meaning of a competitor and a professional," Twins pitcher Brian Duensing said. "He has a routine he goes through every day; he never takes a day off. He always wants to be in the lineup, and if he's not in the lineup, he's there to root everyone on and teach young guys. He deserves everything that's coming to him. He's a great guy, a great human being and a good teammate."

Left-hander Francisco Liriano starts for Minnesota on Monday, coming off a start on Tuesday against Boston in which he was effectively wild.

He gave up a career-high seven walks, but held the AL's most potent offense to three runs on four hits in six innings. Liriano took a no-decision in the Twins' 4-3 loss.

Right-hander Rick Porcello goes for the Tigers after his six-game unbeaten streak came to an unsightly end Wednesday. The Indians won, 10-3, after Porcello allowed eight runs on 11 hits in 3 2/3 innings.

Twins: Injuries taking their toll
• Second baseman Trevor Plouffe has been recalled from Triple-A Rochester, replacing Alexi Casilla (strained right hamstring), who's headed back to the disabled list.

"There's been a lot of bad luck. You can't make this up," said Minnesota outfielder Denard Span. "It's been one of those seasons where every time you look around, somebody is coming up lame or coming up with an injury."

Tigers: Tuesday return targeted for Boesch
• If outfielder Brennan Boesch (sprained right thumb) does well in batting practice on Monday, he could return to action on Tuesday.

"He'll play if he's OK," said manager Jim Leyland. "But I can't swear to that either. He's always ready to go, which I really admire about him. I love him. He's a tough kid."

• Relievers Phil Coke and Jose Valverde were not available for Sunday's finale with the Orioles because both worked the first two games of the series.

• Carlos Guillen was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday because of a sore left wrist.

Worth noting
• The Tigers' Alex Avila had his hit streak end at 10 games Sunday with an 0-for-2 performance. He walked twice, struck out twice and scored a run.

• The Twins have been swept nine times this season after being swept just four times in 2010.

Tigers: RHP Rick Porcello (11-7, 4.93 ERA)

Porcello's six-game unbeaten streak came crashing down Wednesday with a sinker that wouldn't sink and secondary pitches he couldn't command. His eight runs allowed tied a career high, while his 11 hits tied a season high.


Twins: LHP Francisco Liriano (7-9, 5.00 ERA)

Liriano was effectively wild on Tuesday, issuing a career-high seven walks, but holding Boston to three runs on four hits over six innings. He'll look to snap a streak of 10 straight outings with at least two free passes.


Game Information



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:

• INF Carlos Guillen (sore left wrist, 15-day disabled list on August 13),
• RHP Al Alburquerque (concussion, 7-day disabled list on August 12).
• 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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• Tuesday, August 16:
Tigers (RHP Justin Verlander (17-5, 2.35 ERA)) VS
Twins (RHP Nick Blackburn (7-9, 4.36 ERA)),
7:05 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / WXYT 97.1 FM & 1270 AM)

STARTING LINEUPS:

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

MIN - Top 1st
B:1 S:1 O:0
Ben Revere singles on a ground ball to left fielder Delmon Young.

With Trevor Plouffe batting, Ben Revere steals (21) 2nd base.

B:0 S:1 O:1
Trevor Plouffe out on a sacrifice bunt, third baseman Wilson Betemit to first baseman Miguel Cabrera. Ben Revere to 3rd.

B:1 S:1 O:2
Joe Mauer grounds out, third baseman Wilson Betemit to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:2 S:1 O:3
Justin Morneau grounds out, pitcher Rick Porcello to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

DET - Bot 1st
B:2 S:1 O:1
Austin Jackson grounds out, third baseman Danny Valencia to first baseman Justin Morneau.

B:0 S:1 O:2
Ryan Raburn grounds out, third baseman Danny Valencia to first baseman Justin Morneau.

B:3 S:1 O:2
Delmon Young homers (5) on a fly ball to left center field.
1 - 0

B:4 S:2 O:2
Miguel Cabrera walks.

B:1 S:3 O:3
Victor Martinez out swinging.

1 - 0 AFTER 1 INNING

MIN - Top 2nd
B:1 S:2 O:1
Jason Kubel grounds out, second baseman Ryan Raburn to pitcher Rick Porcello.

B:0 S:0 O:2
Jim Thome lines out to third baseman Wilson Betemit.

B:3 S:2 O:3
Danny Valencia pops out to second baseman Ryan Raburn.

DET - Bot 2nd
B:0 S:0 O:1
Jhonny Peralta pops out to first baseman Justin Morneau.

B:0 S:1 O:1
Magglio Ordonez singles on a line drive to right fielder Jason Kubel.

B:1 S:0 O:1
Alex Avila singles on a line drive to center fielder Ben Revere. Alex Avila to 2nd. Magglio Ordonez advances to 3rd, on fielding error by center fielder Ben Revere.

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

B:1 S:1 O:3
Austin Jackson flies out to right fielder Jason Kubel.

1 - 0 AFTER 2 INNINGS

MIN - Top 3rd
B:0 S:0 O:0
Matt Tolbert singles on a bunt ground ball to third baseman Wilson Betemit. Matt Tolbert advances to 2nd, on throwing error by third baseman Wilson Betemit.

B:1 S:0 O:0
Tsuyoshi Nishioka reaches on fielding error by second baseman Ryan Raburn. Matt Tolbert to 3rd.

B:0 S:0 O:1
Ben Revere grounds into a force out, second baseman Ryan Raburn to shortstop Jhonny Peralta. Matt Tolbert scores. Tsuyoshi Nishioka out at 2nd. Ben Revere to 1st.
TIED 1 - 1

B:1 S:0 O:1
Trevor Plouffe doubles (6) on a ground ball to left fielder Delmon Young. Ben Revere scores.
MIN 2 - 1

B:1 S:1 O:2
Joe Mauer flies out to left fielder Delmon Young.

B:0 S:0 O:2
Justin Morneau doubles (14) on a line drive to center fielder Austin Jackson. Trevor Plouffe scores.
MIN 3 - 1

B:3 S:2 O:3
Jason Kubel flies out to right fielder Magglio Ordonez.

DET - Bot 3rd
B:2 S:3 O:1
Ryan Raburn out swinging.

B:1 S:1 O:2
Delmon Young pops out to second baseman Matt Tolbert.

B:0 S:0 O:2
Miguel Cabrera singles on a ground ball to center fielder Ben Revere.

B:2 S:1 O:2
Victor Martinez homers (7) on a fly ball to right center field. Miguel Cabrera scores.
TIED 3 - 3

B:3 S:2 O:3
Jhonny Peralta flies out to left fielder Trevor Plouffe.

TIED 3 - 3 AFTER 3 INNINGS

MIN - Top 4th
B:0 S:1 O:0
Jim Thome singles on a line drive to center fielder Austin Jackson.

B:1 S:2 O:1
Danny Valencia grounds into a force out, third baseman Wilson Betemit to second baseman Ryan Raburn. Jim Thome out at 2nd. Danny Valencia to 1st.

B:1 S:2 O:1
Matt Tolbert singles on a ground ball to right fielder Magglio Ordonez. Danny Valencia to 2nd.

B:0 S:3 O:2
Tsuyoshi Nishioka called out on .

B:3 S:1 O:3
Ben Revere grounds out softly to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

DET - Bot 4th
B:0 S:0 O:1
Magglio Ordonez pops out to shortstop Tsuyoshi Nishioka.

B:1 S:1 O:1
Alex Avila doubles (22) on a fly ball to left fielder Trevor Plouffe, deflected by center fielder Ben Revere.

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

B:2 S:2 O:3
Austin Jackson lines out to left fielder Trevor Plouffe.

TIED 3 - 3 AFTER 4 INNINGS

MIN - Top 5th
B:3 S:2 O:1
Trevor Plouffe lines out to left fielder Delmon Young.

B:2 S:2 O:2
Joe Mauer grounds out, second baseman Ryan Raburn to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:2 S:3 O:3
Justin Morneau out swinging.

DET - Bot 5th
B:2 S:2 O:1
Ryan Raburn flies out to center fielder Ben Revere.

B:0 S:2 O:1
Delmon Young singles on a line drive to center fielder Ben Revere.

B:0 S:0 O:2
Miguel Cabrera flies out to right fielder Jason Kubel.

B:3 S:1 O:3
Victor Martinez grounds out, third baseman Danny Valencia to first baseman Justin Morneau.

TIED 3 - 3 AFTER 5 INNINGS

MIN - Top 6th
B:2 S:2 O:0
Jason Kubel singles on a ground ball to right fielder Magglio Ordonez.

B:0 S:0 O:0
Jim Thome homers (10) on a fly ball to left center field. Jason Kubel scores.
MIN 5 - 3

B:4 S:2 O:0
Danny Valencia walks.

Coaching visit to mound.

B:1 S:1 O:1
Matt Tolbert grounds out, shortstop Jhonny Peralta to first baseman Miguel Cabrera. Danny Valencia to 2nd.

B:0 S:0 O:2
Tsuyoshi Nishioka flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson. Danny Valencia to 3rd.

B:2 S:1 O:3
Ben Revere triples (4) on a fly ball to center fielder Austin Jackson. Danny Valencia scores. Ben Revere out at home, center fielder Austin Jackson to second baseman Ryan Raburn to catcher Alex Avila.
MIN 6 - 3

DET - Bot 6th
B:1 S:0 O:1
Jhonny Peralta pops out to second baseman Matt Tolbert.

B:1 S:2 O:1
Magglio Ordonez singles on a line drive to right fielder Jason Kubel.

B:0 S:0 O:1
Alex Avila triples (4) on a fly ball to right fielder Jason Kubel. Magglio Ordonez scores.
MIN 6 - 4

B:0 S:0 O:2
Wilson Betemit out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Ben Revere. Alex Avila scores.
MIN 6 - 5

B:0 S:1 O:3
Austin Jackson flies out to right fielder Jason Kubel.

MIN 6 - 5 AFTER 6 INNINGS

MIN - Top 7th
Pitcher Change: Daniel Schlereth replaces Rick Porcello.

B:4 S:2 O:0
Trevor Plouffe walks.

B:0 S:3 O:1
Joe Mauer called out on .

With Justin Morneau batting, Trevor Plouffe steals (2) 2nd base.

B:4 S:2 O:1
Justin Morneau walks. Wild pitch by pitcher Daniel Schlereth. Trevor Plouffe to 3rd.

Coaching visit to mound.

B:3 S:3 O:2
Jason Kubel called out on .

B:2 S:1 O:2
Jim Thome homers (11) on a fly ball to left field. Trevor Plouffe scores. Justin Morneau scores.
MIN 9 - 5

B:2 S:1 O:3
Danny Valencia flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson.

DET - Bot 7th
Pitcher Change: Alex Burnett replaces Francisco Liriano.

B:0 S:1 O:0
Ryan Raburn homers (11) on a fly ball to left center field.
MIN 9 - 6

B:1 S:2 O:0
Delmon Young hit by pitch.

B:1 S:1 O:0
Miguel Cabrera singles on a line drive to left fielder Trevor Plouffe. Delmon Young to 2nd.

Pitcher Change: Glen Perkins replaces Alex Burnett.

Coaching visit to mound.

B:0 S:0 O:1
Victor Martinez lines out to shortstop Tsuyoshi Nishioka.

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

B:0 S:0 O:3
Magglio Ordonez grounds out, second baseman Matt Tolbert to first baseman Justin Morneau.

MIN 9 - 6 AFTER 7 INNINGS

MIN - Top 8th
B:1 S:2 O:0
Matt Tolbert doubles (9) on a fly ball to left fielder Delmon Young.

B:0 S:1 O:1
Tsuyoshi Nishioka out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Daniel Schlereth to second baseman Ryan Raburn. Matt Tolbert to 3rd.

B:1 S:0 O:2
Ben Revere grounds out, second baseman Ryan Raburn to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:1 S:3 O:3
Trevor Plouffe out swinging.

DET - Bot 8th
B:2 S:3 O:1
Alex Avila out swinging.

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

Coaching visit to mound.

Pitcher Change: Matt Capps replaces Glen Perkins.

B:1 S:1 O:3
Austin Jackson grounds out, pitcher Matt Capps to first baseman Justin Morneau.

MIN 9 - 6 AFTER 8 INNINGS

MIN - Top 9th
Pitcher Change: Phil Coke replaces Daniel Schlereth.

B:2 S:3 O:1
Joe Mauer out swinging.

B:1 S:1 O:2
Justin Morneau grounds out, first baseman Miguel Cabrera to pitcher Phil Coke.

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

DET - Bot 9th
Pitcher Change: Joe Nathan replaces Matt Capps.

B:0 S:3 O:1
Ryan Raburn out swinging.

B:0 S:3 O:2
Delmon Young out swinging.

B:0 S:0 O:3
Miguel Cabrera grounds out, third baseman Danny Valencia to first baseman Justin Morneau.