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Tigers lose series against Twins

On offense, it was all about the long ball Saturday.

Follow @TMJSports

Published September 25, 2012

The Tigers’ logo behind home plate at Comerica Park. (Photo courtesy of rumn8tr on Flickr under CC license)

BY RICKY LINDSAY, Staff Writer

The Detroit Tigers looked to continue their home domination against the Minnesota Twins in a three game series this past weekend. They were hoping to gain ground on the AL Central leading White Sox, who were swept by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim over the weekend.

Rick Porcello was scheduled to take the mound Friday night against the Twins, but mother nature had other ideas. A rainout pushed the game back to Sunday night, which turned into a doubleheader.

Doug Fister took the mound Saturday afternoon to open the series against the Twins. Fister looked brilliant against the Twins, dominating them en route to a complete game shutout, the first of his career.

On offense, it was all about the long ball Saturday. Austin Jackson, Delmon Young, and MVP candidate Miguel Cabrera all went deep in the 8-0 victory.

Sunday featured a two game doubleheader with the rainout Friday night. Max Scherzer started the first game, going five innings while allowing three earned runs. Scherzer hasn’t been the same pitcher since his last start ended early with shoulder fatigue.

Scott Diamond kept Tigers hitters off the bases most of Sunday afternoon. Diamond pitched seven strong innings while allowing two earned runs on four hits. The Twins won the first game 10-4.

Sunday night’s game was all about pitching for both teams. Drew Smyly started the game for the Tigers, but lasted only four and a third innings. Smyly allowed only one run in his spot start in place of Rick Porcello.

The Tigers’ bullpen was dominant throughout, keeping them in the game until the offense took over. However, the offense looked sluggish, only mustering up one run in the series finale.

Closer Jose Valverde continued his struggles in non save situations while wearing a Tigers uniform. Valverde came in to pitch the tenth inning, eventually allowing the game winning run. The Twins took the second game of the double header 2-1, and won the series against the Tigers.

Cabrera continues his tear on opposing pitchers in September. He’s hitting .357 with nine home runs and 22 RBI’s this month, catapulting him atop of AL MVP contenders and into the Triple Crown contention.
Cabrera now leads the American League in batting average (.331), home runs (42), RBI (133), slugging (.614), and OPS (1.010), and is second in runs (105). He’s also on the verge of his first career 200 hit season.

The Tigers are now one game behind the Chicago White Sox, who were swept by the Los Angeles Angels this past weekend. The Tigers start their final home series Monday night against the Kansas City Royals.

The four game series will be kicked off when AL Cy Young candidate Justin Verlander takes the mound against Luke Hochevar. Anibal Sanchez will start Tuesday night opposite Bruce Chen for the Kansas City Royals. Porcello will start Wednesday night against Jeremy Guthrie and Fister will finish off the home season on Thursday against Luis Mendoza.

The first three games start at 7:05pm and the home finale starts at 1:05pm. Tickets are still available to see the Tigers final home series as they look to win the AL Central.