Detroit Tigers Win One In L.A.

Austin Jackson had the day off today.  Casper Wells started in centerfield and led off the game with a home run.  The Tigers hit 4 homers today and looked like they might enjoy an easy victory. 

Rick Porcello struggled today as the Tiger starting pitcher and didn't make it through the 5th inning.  It was up to the bullpen to  keep the Tigers from being swept by the Dodgers.  Detroit got solid performances from Al Alburquerque and Joaquin Benoit and took a 7-5 lead into the 9th inning.  Closer Jose Valverde promptly made it too close for comfort, allowing two base hits and a walk to load the bases.  Dioner Navarro launched  a 2-strike missile  toward the wall in centerfield that surely would have scored the winning run for the Dodgers.  But there was Austin Jackson, inserted into the game as a defensive replacement,  making a leaping catch which ended the game and gave the Tigers a much-needed win, 7-5.  Al Alburquerque got the win (he's 4-1) and Valverde got credit for a save. 

The Tigers got homers from Casper Wells, Magglio Ordonez, Miguel Cabrera and Don Kelly.

Detroit gets a day off tomorrow before coming home for 10 straight games.  They open a three game series with the Arizona Diamondbacks Friday night at Comerica Park.  Phil Coke will start Friday for the Tigers, looking to improve on his 1-7 record.

The Tigers went into today's game trailing Cleveland by 1 game in the AL Central.  If the Indians lose tonight to Colorado, the Tigers will be tied for the top spot.