GDT: 9/10/11 - DET (82-62) VS MIN (59-85) - 4:10 p.m. ET

Scherzer searches for consistency vs. Twins

By Cash Kruth / MLB.com | 9/9/2011 11:17 PM ET

Who will follow Justin Verlander in Detroit's potential postseason rotation?

For much of the summer, that was one of the biggest questions throughout baseball. Lately, as the Tigers have caught fire -- winning 17 of their last 21 games -- that question now seems to have plenty of solid answers. Since coming over from Seattle, Doug Fister is 4-1 with a 2.64 ERA. Young right-hander Rick Porcello also has progressed, allowing one run in two of his last three starts.

The most obvious answer to that question, however, is Detroit's other flamethrower, Max Scherzer. The righty, who starts Saturday against the Twins, is widely regarded as Detroit's second-most talented hurler with his mid-90s-mph fastball and hard slider. Still, despite coming off seven shutout innings in his last start, no one can deny that Scherzer has been frustratingly inconsistent this season.

On Saturday, he'll get another chance to squash any lingering questions of his status as Detroit's potential No. 2 starter with another solid performance and flash the potential Tigers manager Jim Leyland knows the righty possesses.

"He's been in and out a little bit, but he can be a horse for you. We saw that last year in the second half. Take the ball, take innings and quality innings," Leyland said. "I think his thing, to get over the hump finally, is to get the delivery consistent. When that happens, he'll run into a year where that happens all the time and he'll have a huge year.

"He might run into a time where he doesn't, and he won't have quite as good a year. But if he ever gets that rhythm consistent and repeats that delivery on a consistent basis, he's got a chance to be really good."

Trying to lengthen Detroit's quest to clinch the American League Central is Minnesota, which has dropped 16 of its last 21 games against the Tigers.

The Twins' struggles this season have been well-documented, as they came in with their annual high expectations but faltered mightily. Many factors have led to their rough season, but Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said the team is willing to take the blame straight on.

"We've earned every bit of our record. Let's put it that way. We haven't played very well," Gardenhire said. "Yes, we've had injuries; lots of them. And that's contributed to our poor play, but there are a lot of things. We haven't pitched well enough and we haven't caught the ball well enough. So we've earned it."

Twins: Revere chasing record book
After going 1-for-4 on Friday, center fielder Ben Revere is hitting .299 on the road this season. Only three players in club history have finished their rookie season with a .300-plus road batting average: Tony Oliva (.328 in 1964), Zoilo Versalles (.305 in 1961) and Rich Rollins (.302 in 1962).

With 26 stolen bases, Revere also is five swipes away from tying Luis Rivas' club single-season rookie record of 31 set in 2001.

• Right-hander Anthony Swarzak will make his third consecutive start and eighth of the season Saturday. Swarzak allowed two runs in eight innings against the White Sox in his last outing.

Tigers: Cabrera extends streak to 35
Miguel Cabrera went 1-for-3 with a walk Friday, reaching base for the 35th consecutive game. During the streak, Cabrera is hitting .390 with 14 doubles, four home runs and 27 RBIs. Not only is the streak a career best for the first baseman, but also the longest such streak by a Tiger since Chad Curtis reached in 41 straight from June 14-July 29, 1995.

• Center fielder Austin Jackson is one home run shy of reaching double digits in doubles, triples, home runs and stolen bases. It would mark the 18th time a Tigers player has accomplished the feat, and first since Curtis Granderson did so in 2007-08.

• With 42 saves, Jose Valverde is tied with Todd Jones (2000) for the club's single-season mark.

Worth noting
• Detroit has collected 10 or more hits in 11 of its last 14 games.

• Minnesota's bullpen has a 2.47 ERA in its last four games.

Tigers: RHP Max Scherzer (14-8, 4.33 ERA)

A mechanical tweak allowed Scherzer to find the finish on his pitches for seven scoreless innings Sunday against the White Sox. The Tigers are hoping that carries into a stretch run that propels him strong into the postseason.


Twins: RHP Anthony Swarzak (3-6, 3.95 ERA)

Swarzak matched a career high by throwing eight innings in the first game of a doubleheader against the White Sox on Monday. He also allowed just two runs on eight hits and didn't walk a batter, but was saddled with a tough-luck loss.


Game Information



INJURY UPDATE:

• Brennan Boesch (right thumb surgery, 15-day disabled list on September 9).
• 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)



To track MLB play-by-play, to help post GDT outcomes: http://m.mlb.com/scores/

On the Internet
MLB.TV
Gameday Audio
• Gameday
• Official Press Pass game notes

On television

• FOX
• Direct TV Extra Innings Schedule

On radio

• ,
• XM Channel Schedule



• Sunday, September 11:
Tigers (RHP Doug Fister (7-13, 3.17 ERA)) VS
Twins (LHP Scott Diamond (1-3, 4.56 ERA)),
1:05 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / WXYT 1270 AM)

• Monday, September 12:
Tigers (RHP Rick Porcello (13-8, 4.87 ERA)) AT
White Sox (RHP Jake Peavy (7-7, 4.92 ERA)),
8:10 p.m. ET (FS-D HD, MLBN / WXYT 97.1 FM & 1270 AM)

• Tuesday, September 13:
Tigers (RHP Justin Verlander (22-5, 2.44 ERA)) AT
White Sox (LHP John Danks (6-11, 4.09 ERA)),
8:10 p.m. ET (FS-D HD, MLBN / WXYT 97.1 FM & 1270 AM)

STARTING LINEUP:

TIGERS

Austin Jackson, cf
Andy Dirks, rf
Delmon Young, lf
Miguel Cabrera, 1b
Victor Martinez, dh
Alex Avila, c
Jhonny Peralta, ss
Wilson Betemit, 3b
Ramon Santiago, 2b

P: Max Scherzer

TWINS

Ben Revere, CF
Trevor Plouffe, SS
Joe Mauer, DH
Danny Valencia, 3B
Chris Parmelee, 1B
Joe Benson, RF
Brian Dinkelman, LF
Luke Hughes, 2B
Rene Rivera, C

P: Anthony Swarzak

MIN - Top 1st
B:1 S:1 O:1
Ben Revere flies out to left fielder Delmon Young.

B:1 S:3 O:2
Trevor Plouffe out swinging.

B:4 S:2 O:2
Joe Mauer walks.

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

DET - Bot 1st
B:0 S:3 O:1
Austin Jackson called out on .

B:2 S:0 O:2
Andy Dirks pops out to shortstop Trevor Plouffe.

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

0 - 0 AFTER 1 INNING

MIN - Top 2nd
B:4 S:2 O:0
Chris Parmelee walks.

B:2 S:1 O:0
Joe Benson singles on a line drive to left fielder Delmon Young. Chris Parmelee to 3rd.

With Brian Dinkelman batting, Joe Benson picked off and caught stealing 2nd base, pitcher Max Scherzer to first baseman Miguel Cabrera to shortstop Jhonny Peralta.

B:1 S:2 O:2
Brian Dinkelman grounds out softly, third baseman Wilson Betemit to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:0 S:1 O:3
Luke Hughes flies out to left fielder Delmon Young.

DET - Bot 2nd
B:2 S:2 O:1
Miguel Cabrera grounds out, pitcher Anthony Swarzak to first baseman Chris Parmelee.

B:3 S:2 O:2
Victor Martinez flies out to right fielder Joe Benson.

B:0 S:3 O:3
Alex Avila out swinging.

0 - 0 AFTER 2 INNINGS

MIN - Top 3rd
B:1 S:3 O:1
Rene Rivera out swinging.

B:1 S:1 O:2
Ben Revere flies out to left fielder Delmon Young.

B:0 S:3 O:3
Trevor Plouffe called out on .

DET - Bot 3rd
B:3 S:3 O:1
Jhonny Peralta out swinging.

B:3 S:2 O:1
Wilson Betemit homers (7) on a fly ball to right field.
1 - 0

B:0 S:2 O:2
Ramon Santiago flies out to right fielder Joe Benson.

B:2 S:0 O:3
Austin Jackson pops out to second baseman Luke Hughes in foul territory.

1 - 0 AFTER 3 INNINGS

MIN - Top 4th
B:2 S:1 O:0
Joe Mauer homers (3) on a fly ball to left center field.
TIED 1 - 1

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

B:2 S:2 O:1
Chris Parmelee singles on a ground ball to center fielder Austin Jackson.

B:2 S:3 O:2
Joe Benson out swinging.

B:2 S:0 O:3
Brian Dinkelman flies out to right fielder Andy Dirks.

DET - Bot 4th
B:0 S:0 O:0
Andy Dirks hits a ground-rule double (11) on a fly ball to center field.

B:0 S:0 O:1
Delmon Young lines out sharply to first baseman Chris Parmelee.

B:2 S:1 O:2
Miguel Cabrera grounds out, shortstop Trevor Plouffe to first baseman Chris Parmelee. Andy Dirks to 3rd.

B:2 S:1 O:2
Victor Martinez singles on a ground ball to right fielder Joe Benson. Andy Dirks scores.
2 - 1

B:0 S:0 O:3
Alex Avila grounds out softly to first baseman Chris Parmelee.

2 - 1 AFTER 4 INNINGS

MIN - Top 5th
B:1 S:0 O:1
Luke Hughes flies out to right fielder Andy Dirks.

B:2 S:2 O:2
Rene Rivera flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson.

B:2 S:1 O:3
Ben Revere grounds out, third baseman Wilson Betemit to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

DET - Bot 5th
B:2 S:3 O:1
Jhonny Peralta out swinging.

B:1 S:2 O:2
Wilson Betemit pops out to shortstop Trevor Plouffe.

B:2 S:2 O:2
Ramon Santiago singles on a soft fly ball to left fielder Brian Dinkelman.

B:4 S:0 O:2
Austin Jackson walks. Ramon Santiago to 2nd.

Coaching visit to mound.

B:0 S:1 O:3
Andy Dirks flies out to left fielder Brian Dinkelman.

2 - 1 AFTER 5 INNINGS

MIN - Top 6th
B:4 S:1 O:0
Trevor Plouffe walks.

B:1 S:1 O:0
Joe Mauer singles on a ground ball to center fielder Austin Jackson. Trevor Plouffe to 3rd.

B:1 S:1 O:1
Danny Valencia out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Austin Jackson. Trevor Plouffe scores.
TIED 2 - 2

B:1 S:2 O:3
Chris Parmelee grounds into double play, first baseman Miguel Cabrera to shortstop Jhonny Peralta to pitcher Max Scherzer. Joe Mauer out at 2nd.

DET - Bot 6th
B:1 S:3 O:1
Delmon Young out swinging.

B:1 S:2 O:2
Miguel Cabrera grounds out, second baseman Luke Hughes to first baseman Chris Parmelee.

B:4 S:2 O:2
Victor Martinez walks.

B:1 S:1 O:3
Alex Avila flies out to left fielder Brian Dinkelman.

TIED 2 - 2 AFTER 6 INNINGS

MIN - Top 7th
B:2 S:2 O:0
Joe Benson doubles (1) on a ground ball to right fielder Andy Dirks.

B:2 S:2 O:1
Brian Dinkelman flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson.

B:2 S:3 O:2
Luke Hughes called out on .

Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Rene Tosoni replaces Rene Rivera.

Coaching visit to mound.

B:3 S:3 O:3
Rene Tosoni called out on .

DET - Bot 7th
Defensive Substitution: Drew Butera replaces Rene Tosoni, batting 9th, playing catcher.

Pitcher Change: Matt Capps replaces Anthony Swarzak.

B:1 S:3 O:1
Jhonny Peralta out swinging.

B:0 S:1 O:2
Wilson Betemit grounds out, second baseman Luke Hughes to first baseman Chris Parmelee.

B:0 S:1 O:2
Ramon Santiago doubles (10) on a sharp ground ball to right fielder Joe Benson.

B:4 S:1 O:2
Austin Jackson walks.

B:1 S:2 O:3
Andy Dirks flies out to center fielder Ben Revere.

TIED 2 - 2 AFTER 7 INNINGS

MIN - Top 8th
Defensive Substitution: Brandon Inge replaces third baseman Wilson Betemit, batting 8th, playing third base.

Pitcher Change: Phil Coke replaces Max Scherzer.

B:0 S:2 O:1
Ben Revere grounds out softly, second baseman Ramon Santiago to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:1 S:1 O:2
Trevor Plouffe grounds out, shortstop Jhonny Peralta to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:1 S:2 O:3
Joe Mauer grounds out, second baseman Ramon Santiago to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

DET - Bot 8th
Pitcher Change: Alex Burnett replaces Matt Capps.

B:0 S:0 O:1
Delmon Young grounds out, second baseman Luke Hughes to first baseman Chris Parmelee.

B:2 S:2 O:2
Miguel Cabrera lines out to right fielder Joe Benson.

B:0 S:0 O:3
Victor Martinez flies out to center fielder Ben Revere.

TIED 2 - 2 AFTER 8 INNINGS

MIN - Top 9th
Pitcher Change: Al Alburquerque replaces Phil Coke.

Injury Delay.

B:2 S:3 O:1
Danny Valencia called out on .

B:1 S:2 O:2
Chris Parmelee lines out to first baseman Miguel Cabrera in foul territory.

B:1 S:3 O:3
Joe Benson out swinging.

DET - Bot 9th
Pitcher Change: Glen Perkins replaces Alex Burnett.

B:0 S:0 O:1
Alex Avila grounds out, shortstop Trevor Plouffe to first baseman Chris Parmelee.

B:1 S:0 O:2
Jhonny Peralta flies out to right fielder Joe Benson.

B:2 S:1 O:2
Brandon Inge homers (3) on a fly ball to left field.