Tiger pitching has been questionable at best on days when Justin Verlander and lately, Doug Fister aren't on the mound. Tiger prospect Jacob Turner got a spot start in this afternoon's game agains the Royals, and the 20-year old demonstrated that he still has much to learn. Turner lasted just 4 and a third innings, giving up 6 runs. His teammates would pick him up and he wouldn't take the loss.
That dubious distinction would go to Phil Coke. After Austin Jackson hit a two-run homer to put the Tigers ahead 8-6, the Tiger bullpen was more like B.S. Ryan Perry surrendered a run but at least gave us a couple of decent innings. Coke came in the game in the 7th and gave up 3 runs without getting anybody out.

Suddenly, the Tiger bats went cold and Detroit starts the month of September with a disheartening loss, 11-8. The only good news is that Cleveland lost today to Oakland, so the Indians and Chicago White Sox are both 5.5 games behind the Tigers in the race for the American League Central crown. The Sox come to Comerica Park for a 3-game weekend series starting tomorrow night. Justin Verlander (20-5) will pitch against the White Sox John Danks (6-9). The Tigers will need Verlander to continue his dominance to keep their Central Division challengers a safe distance away for at least another day.

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