GDT45: 5/23/13 - DET (25-19) VS MIN (18-25) - 7:08 p.m. ET

Tigers: RHP Rick Porcello (2-2, 5.92 ERA)

Porcello is 2-0 with a 3.24 ERA in his last four starts after beating the Rangers on Friday night. He allowed one run in 5 2/3 innings while displaying an excellent sinker. He is 6-5 with a 3.35 ERA in 16 career starts against the Twins.



Twins: LHP Scott Diamond (3-4, 4.99 ERA)

Diamond, who tossed seven scoreless frames against the Red Sox on May 7, couldn't replicate his success and scuffled through 4 1/3 innings vs. Boston on Saturday. He tied a season high by surrendering six runs on eight hits.







Tigers seeking to take advantage of struggling Twins
Diamond, Porcello set for opener of four-game weekend set

By Joey Nowak / MLB.com | 5/22/2013 3:58 PM ET


A major key to any team's success over the course of a long season is winning within the division. The Tigers, chasing the Indians for the top spot in the American League Central, have an opportunity to boost their record in the division with a big four-game series against the rival Twins at Comerica Park this weekend.

Minnesota comes to town for the Memorial Day set, which kicks off with the series opener on Thursday evening. Detroit right-hander Rick Porcello will square off against Minnesota lefty Scott Diamond.

Entering their Wednesday night game against the Indians, the Tigers are 6-6 against AL Central foes. They have a winning record against the other two divisions in the AL and are 3-2 against National League opponents.

The Twins and Tigers have already split six games this year, with Minnesota out-scoring Detroit, 23-20.

The Twins are 0-3 on their current road trip after losing, 8-3, to the Braves on Wednesday.

Porcello is 2-0 with a 3.24 ERA in his last four starts after beating the Rangers on Friday night. He gave up just one run in 5 2/3 innings, with his sinker working well for him all night. He's struck out at least six in three consecutive starts.

"He has been aggressive, throwing a better breaking ball and using his changeup really well," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. "He's a ground-ball guy, and if he gets strikeouts, that's just a bonus."

Diamond, meanwhile, struggled through 4 1/3 innings against the Red Sox on Saturday. He gave up six runs on eight hits.

"I tried to muscle up too many pitches, and it made the ball stay up in the zone -- and I paid the price for it," he said afterward. "I struggled to find my control and my rhythm and ended up throwing way too many pitches."

Tigers: Cabrera crushing the ball
Reigning AL MVP Miguel Cabrera is riding a remarkable offensive wave, entering Wednesday night with the Major League lead in RBIs (49) and hits (68).

He's hitting .392 with runners in scoring position since the start of the 2011 season, best in the Majors during that time.

Cabrera's home run Tuesday night brought his career total with the Tigers to 195, tying him with Kirk Gibson for 10th in Tigers history. He's five shy of matching Bill Freehan for ninth.

Twins: Morneau in May
• Justin Morneau has hit safely in 18 of 20 games this month (11 multihit games), batting .378 (31-for-82) with 20 RBIs.

Morneau is a .315 career hitter in May with 58 doubles, 50 home runs and 188 RBIs, making it his most productive month of the season.

• The Twins have been swept four times this year.

Worth noting
• Detroit has recorded at least one extra-base hit in 37 straight games.

• Minnesota has allowed 50 first-inning runs this year. Opponents have scored in the first inning in 10 of their last 18 games.






INJURY UPDATE:


• RHP Octavio Dotel (Right elbow inflammation, 15-day DL retroactive to April 20, 2013).

• OF Austin Jackson (pulled right hamstring, 15-day DL retroactive to May 12, 2013).





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• FRI, May 24:
TIGERS: (RHP Anibal Sanchez (4-4, 2.77 ERA)) VS
TWINS: (RHP Samuel Deduno (0-0, -.-- ERA))
7:08 p.m. ET (FS-D / FM 97.1)


• SAT, May 25:
TIGERS: (RHP Doug Fister (5-1, 3.62 ERA)) VS
TWINS: (RHP Kevin Correia (4-4, 3.90 ERA))
4:08 p.m. ET (FS-D, MLBN / FM 97.1)


• SUN, May 26:
TIGERS: (RHP Max Scherzer (6-0, 3.61 ERA)) VS
TWINS: (RHP Mike Pelfrey (3-4, 6.69 ERA))
1:08 p.m. ET (FS-D / FM 97.1)


• MON, May 27:
TIGERS: (RHP Justin Verlander (5-4, 3.66 ERA)) VS
PIRATES: (?HP TBA (TBA ERA))
1:08 p.m. ET (FS-D, MLBN / FM 97.1)

STARTING LINEUPS:


Minnesota Twins:
1. 3B: Jamey Carroll
2. C: Joe Mauer
3. LF: Josh Willingham
4. DH: Justin Morneau
5. RF: Ryan Doumit
6. 1B: Chris Parmelee
7. 2B: Brian Dozier
8. CF: Aaron Hicks
9. SS: Pedro Florimon
SP: Scott Diamond


Detroit Tigers:
1. 2B: Omar Infante
2. RF: Torii Hunter
3. 3B: Miguel Cabrera
4. 1B: Prince Fielder
5. DH: Victor Martinez
6. SS: Jhonny Peralta
7. LF: Matt Tuiasosopo
8. C: Brayan Pena
9. CF: Avisail Garcia
SP: Rick Porcello

MIN - Top 1st
B:1 S:2 O:1
Jamey Carroll grounds out, third baseman Miguel Cabrera to first baseman Prince Fielder.

B:2 S:2 O:1
Joe Mauer singles on a line drive to right fielder Torii Hunter.

B:2 S:2 O:3
Josh
Willingham grounds into a double play, third baseman Miguel Cabrera to
second baseman Omar Infante to first baseman Prince Fielder. Joe Mauer
out at 2nd.


DET - Bot 1st
B:0 S:1 O:1
Omar Infante flies out to center fielder Aaron Hicks.

B:1 S:2 O:1
Torii Hunter singles on a line drive to right fielder Ryan Doumit.

B:2 S:2 O:1
Miguel Cabrera homers (14) on a fly ball to left center field. Torii Hunter scores.
2 - 0

B:1 S:2 O:2
Prince Fielder pops out to first baseman Chris Parmelee in foul territory.

B:1 S:2 O:2
Victor Martinez singles on a ground ball to center fielder Aaron Hicks.

B:1 S:3 O:3
Jhonny Peralta called out on strikes.

2 - 0 AFTER 1 INNING

MIN - Top 2nd
B:1 S:2 O:0
Justin Morneau hits a ground-rule double (12) on a ground ball down the left-field line, on fan interference.

B:0 S:1 O:1
Ryan Doumit flies out to right fielder Torii Hunter.

B:2 S:2 O:1
Chris Parmelee singles on a line drive to left fielder Matt Tuiasosopo. Justin Morneau to 3rd.

B:1 S:1 O:2
Brian Dozier grounds into a force out, shortstop Jhonny Peralta to second baseman Omar Infante. Justin Morneau scores. Chris Parmelee out at 2nd. Brian Dozier to 1st.
2 - 1

With Aaron Hicks batting, Brian Dozier steals (4) 2nd base.

B:2 S:3 O:3
Aaron Hicks strikes out swinging.


DET - Bot 2nd
B:3 S:1 O:0
Matt Tuiasosopo singles on a ground ball to left fielder Josh Willingham.

B:1 S:1 O:2
Brayan Pena grounds into a double play, third baseman Jamey Carroll to second baseman Brian Dozier to first baseman Chris Parmelee. Matt Tuiasosopo out at 2nd.

B:1 S:2 O:3
Avisail Garcia grounds out, third baseman Jamey Carroll to first baseman Chris Parmelee.

2 - 1 AFTER 2 INNINGS

MIN - Top 3rd
B:0 S:1 O:0
Pedro Florimon singles on a line drive to right fielder Torii Hunter.

B:0 S:1 O:0
Jamey Carroll singles on a ground ball to left fielder Matt Tuiasosopo. Pedro Florimon to 3rd. Jamey Carroll to 2nd on the throw.

B:3 S:2 O:0
Joe Mauer singles on a ground ball to left fielder Matt Tuiasosopo.Pedro Florimon scores. Jamey Carroll to 3rd.
TIED 2 - 2

Coaching visit to mound.

B:1 S:1 O:0
Josh Willingham homers (7) on a fly ball to left field. Jamey Carroll scores. Joe Mauer scores.
MIN 5 - 2

B:1 S:0 O:1
Justin Morneau grounds out, second baseman Omar Infante to first baseman Prince Fielder.

B:3 S:2 O:2
Ryan Doumit flies out to center fielder Avisail Garcia.

B:0 S:0 O:2
Chris Parmelee singles on a line drive to right fielder Torii Hunter.

B:0 S:2 O:3
Brian Dozier grounds out, second baseman Omar Infante to first baseman Prince Fielder.


DET - Bot 3rd
Defensive Substitution: Eduardo Escobar replaces shortstop Pedro Florimon, batting 9th, playing shortstop.

B:1 S:1 O:1
Omar Infante flies out to center fielder Aaron Hicks.

B:2 S:1 O:2
Torii Hunter grounds out, shortstop Eduardo Escobar to first baseman Chris Parmelee.

B:0 S:3 O:3
Miguel Cabrera strikes out swinging.

MIN 5 - 2 AFTER 3 INNINGS

MIN - Top 4th
B:0 S:1 O:0
Aaron Hicks singles on a bunt ground ball to pitcher Rick Porcello.

B:3 S:2 O:1
Eduardo Escobar grounds out, shortstop Jhonny Peralta to first baseman Prince Fielder. Aaron Hicks to 2nd.

B:2 S:0 O:1
Jamey Carroll singles on a line drive to right fielder Torii Hunter. Aaron Hicks to 3rd.

B:1 S:1 O:3
Joe Mauer grounds into a double play, shortstop Jhonny Peralta to second baseman Omar Infante to first baseman Prince Fielder. Jamey Carroll out at 2nd.


DET - Bot 4th
B:3 S:2 O:1
Prince Fielder pops out to third baseman Jamey Carroll in foul territory.

B:0 S:2 O:2
Victor Martinez grounds out, shortstop Eduardo Escobar to first baseman Chris Parmelee.

B:0 S:3 O:3
Jhonny Peralta strikes out swinging.

MIN 5 - 2 AFTER 4 INNINGS

MIN - Top 5th
Minnesota Twins shortstop Pedro Florimon left the game due to an injured hand.

B:3 S:2 O:0
Josh Willingham reaches on a throwing error by shortstop Jhonny Peralta. Josh Willingham to 2nd.

B:0 S:1 O:1
Justin Morneau flies out to center fielder Avisail Garcia.

B:2 S:1 O:2
Ryan Doumit flies out to left fielder Matt Tuiasosopo.

B:4 S:2 O:2
Chris Parmelee walks.

With Brian Dozier batting, wild pitch by Rick Porcello, Josh Willingham to 3rd.

B:2 S:3 O:3
Brian Dozier strikes out swinging.


DET - Bot 5th
B:2 S:1 O:1
Matt Tuiasosopo flies out to left fielder Josh Willingham.

B:1 S:3 O:2
Brayan Pena strikes out swinging, catcher Joe Mauer to first baseman Chris Parmelee.

B:2 S:2 O:2
Avisail Garcia singles on a ground ball to right fielder Ryan Doumit.

B:1 S:1 O:2
Omar Infante singles on a line drive to left fielder Josh Willingham. Avisail Garcia to 2nd.

B:4 S:2 O:2
Torii Hunter walks. Avisail Garcia to 3rd. Omar Infante to 2nd.

Coaching visit to mound.

B:1 S:0 O:2
Miguel Cabrera singles on a ground ball to shortstop Eduardo Escobar.Avisail Garcia scores. Omar Infante to 3rd. Torii Hunter to 2nd.
MIN 5 - 3

B:3 S:1 O:3
Prince Fielder pops out to third baseman Jamey Carroll in foul territory.

MIN 5 - 3 AFTER 5 INNINGS

MIN - Top 6th
Pitching Change: Darin Downs replaces Rick Porcello.

B:0 S:1 O:1
Aaron Hicks grounds out to first baseman Prince Fielder.

B:2 S:2 O:2
Eduardo Escobar flies out to center fielder Avisail Garcia.

B:3 S:2 O:2
Jamey Carroll doubles (3) on a fly ball to center fielder Avisail Garcia.

B:0 S:1 O:3
Joe Mauer grounds out, second baseman Omar Infante to first baseman Prince Fielder.


DET - Bot 6th
B:3 S:3 O:1
Victor Martinez strikes out swinging.

B:1 S:1 O:1
Jhonny Peralta singles on a line drive to left fielder Josh Willingham.

B:2 S:2 O:2
Matt Tuiasosopo flies out to right fielder Ryan Doumit.

B:0 S:0 O:2
Brayan Pena doubles (3) on a ground ball to left fielder Josh Willingham. Jhonny Peralta to 3rd.

Coaching visit to mound.

Pitching Change: Casey Fien replaces Scott Diamond.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Andy Dirks replaces Avisail Garcia.

B:2 S:3 O:3
Andy Dirks strikes out swinging.

MIN 5 - 3 AFTER 6 INNINGS

MIN - Top 7th
Andy Dirks remains in the game as the center fielder.

B:3 S:2 O:0
Josh Willingham homers (8) on a fly ball to left field.
MIN 6 - 3

B:0 S:1 O:0
Justin Morneau hit by pitch.

B:0 S:0 O:1
Ryan Doumit flies out to center fielder Andy Dirks.

B:3 S:0 O:2
Chris Parmelee flies out to right fielder Torii Hunter.

Coaching visit to mound.

Pitching Change: Jose Ortega replaces Darin Downs.

B:2 S:3 O:3
Brian Dozier strikes out swinging.


DET - Bot 7th
B:0 S:2 O:0
Omar Infante singles on a line drive to left fielder Josh Willingham.

B:2 S:3 O:1
Torii Hunter strikes out swinging.

B:4 S:0 O:1
Miguel Cabrera walks. Omar Infante to 2nd.

Coaching visit to mound.

Pitching Change: Brian Duensing replaces Casey Fien.

B:2 S:1 O:1
Prince Fielder singles on a ground ball to center fielder Aaron Hicks. Omar Infante scores. Miguel Cabrera to 2nd.
MIN 6 - 4

B:2 S:1 O:1
Victor Martinez singles on a fly ball to right fielder Ryan Doumit, deflected by center fielder Aaron Hicks. Miguel Cabrera scores. Prince Fielder to 2nd.
MIN 6 - 5

Coaching visit to mound.

Pitching Change: Jared Burton replaces Brian Duensing.

B:3 S:2 O:1
Jhonny Peralta doubles (12) on a line drive to left fielder Josh Willingham.Prince Fielder scores. Victor Martinez to 3rd.
TIED 6 - 6

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Don Kelly replaces Victor Martinez.

B:1 S:1 O:1
Matt Tuiasosopo hit by pitch.

B:0 S:0 O:2
Brayan Pena pops out to third baseman Jamey Carroll in foul territory.

B:0 S:2 O:3
Andy Dirks pops out to third baseman Jamey Carroll in foul territory.

TIED 6 - 6 AFTER 7 INNINGS

MIN - Top 8th
Don Kelly remains in the game as the designated hitter.

Pitching Change: Joaquin Benoit replaces Jose Ortega.

Injury Delay.

B:3 S:3 O:1
Aaron Hicks called out on strikes.

B:1 S:1 O:2
Eduardo Escobar grounds out, second baseman Omar Infante to first baseman Prince Fielder.

B:2 S:1 O:3
Jamey Carroll grounds out, shortstop Jhonny Peralta to first baseman Prince Fielder.


DET - Bot 8th
B:1 S:2 O:0
Omar Infante singles on a ground ball to left fielder Josh Willingham.

B:0 S:0 O:1
Torii Hunter out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Jared Burton to second baseman Brian Dozier. Omar Infante to 2nd.

B:4 S:0 O:1
Jared Burton intentionally walks Miguel Cabrera.

B:2 S:1 O:1
Prince Fielder singles on a line drive to second baseman Brian Dozier, deflected by pitcher Jared Burton. Omar Infante scores. Miguel Cabrera to 3rd.
7 - 6

B:0 S:0 O:2
Don Kelly flies out to left fielder Josh Willingham.

B:0 S:2 O:3
Jhonny Peralta flies out to right fielder Ryan Doumit.

7 - 6 AFTER 8 INNINGS

MIN - Top 9th
Pitching Change: Jose Valverde replaces Joaquin Benoit.

B:2 S:1 O:1
Joe Mauer grounds out, second baseman Omar Infante to first baseman Prince Fielder.

B:2 S:3 O:2
Josh Willingham strikes out swinging.

B:1 S:3 O:3
Justin Morneau strikes out swinging.


TIGERS WIN 7-6

CLICK HERE FOR BOX SCORE


W: Benoit
L: Burton
S: Valverde (5)


Game Info

Duensing pitched to 2 batters in the 7th.

WP: Porcello.
IBB: Cabrera, M (by Burton).
HBP: Morneau (by Downs, D), Tuiasosopo (by Burton).
Pitches-strikes:
Diamond 105-68, Fien 19-11, Duensing 8-4, Burton 30-18, Porcello
102-66, Downs, D 30-18, Ortega, J 5-3, Benoit 15-9, Valverde 16-11.
Groundouts-flyouts: Diamond 4-4, Fien 0-0, Duensing 0-0, Burton 1-2, Porcello 8-4, Downs, D 2-3, Ortega, J 0-0, Benoit 2-0, Valverde 1-0.
Batters faced: Diamond 26, Fien 4, Duensing 2, Burton 10, Porcello 25, Downs, D 8, Ortega, J 1, Benoit 3, Valverde 3.
Inherited runners-scored: Fien 2-0, Duensing 2-2, Burton 2-1, Ortega, J 1-0.
Umpires: HP: Joe West. 1B: Sam Holbrook. 2B: Andy Fletcher. 3B: Clint Fagan.
Weather: 43 degrees, cloudy.
Wind: 18 mph, Out to RF.
T: 3:30 (1:00 delay).
Att: 32,804.