Verlander Wins #18, Detroit Tigers Trounce Twins

The Minnesota Twins put some runners on base in the early innings, but failed to score against Detroit's Justin Verlander. By the time the Twinkies got on the scoreboard in the 8th inning, the Tigers had already crossed home plate 7 times. That was more than enough for Verlander to get win number 18 in a 7-1 Detroit victory.
Verlander is now 18-5 and leads the major leagues in wins. J.V. gave up 1 run on 7 hits in seven and two thirds innings of work tonight. He struck out 8 batters. The Tiger offense waited until the 3rd inning to get going, but made sure that Verlander had a lead that he wouldn't surrender. Miguel Cabrera led the hit parade driving in three runs. Delmon Young (the newest Tiger) got two more hits and scored a run, and Austin Jackson reached base 4 times with a pair of hits and walks. Ramon Santiago had two hits including a homer in the 6th inning. More importantly, he didn't make any errors at second base (like Raburn). The win is Detroit's 65th of the season. Pending the outcome of the game between Cleveland and Chicago, the Tiger lead in the American League Central could be as much as three games. If Cleveland wins, it's only two. Tonight, I'm a White Sox fan.

The Tigers and Twins will wrap up their 3-game series at Comerica Park in Detroit tomorrow night. Brad Penny will start the game for the Tigers. 7:05pm first pitch. The Tigers will enjoy an off day on Thursday before Cleveland comes to town for a 3-game weekend series.