Detroit Tigers In First Place, Blank Indians 4-0

Justin Verlander carried a no-hitter into the 8th inning.  He ended up giving up two hits, but the Tigers beat the Cleveland Indians 4-0 to take over sole possession of first place in the American League Central Division. 

Verlander struck out 12 in pitching his 3rd complete game in 2011, which is also his 8th win of the season.

The Tigers scored 3 runs in the 3rd inning.  Miguel Cabrera sending the first one home on a sacrafice fly, Andy Dirks singled home a run, then Alex Avila drove home the 3rd Tiger run on another sacrafice fly.  Dirks knocked in the Tigers' other run on a single in the 8th.  Dirks had 3 hits on the night, Austin Jackson reached base 3 times on two hits and a walk.

The Tigers will try to maintain their 1-game lead over Cleveland when they play the Indians again tomorrow night.  Brand Penny goes for his 6th win against Cleveland's Fausto Carmona.  First pitch at 7:05 pm.