GDT: 7/9/10 - DET (46-37) VS MIN (45-40) - 7:05 p.m. ET

Liriano, Verlander take center stage at Comerica

By Jesse Sanchez / MLB.com

The talent will be on display from both sides of the mound when the Twins and Tigers square off in an AL Central showdown Friday at Comerica Park.

Minnesota will send lefty Francisco Liriano to the hill. The Tigers will counter with right-hander Justin Verlander.

Here's what else is right: the hitters will be ready. Or at least they should be.

"We have a lot of respect for them. They play hard and they play the game the right way," Detroit's Brandon Inge said. "That's why we want to beat them even more."

In his last start against the Rays on Saturday, Liriano fanned 10 batters and walked only one. That is the most strikeouts he has had this season since retiring 11 on June 11. Overall, he pitched seven innings and gave up only one run on four hits.

As for Verlander, his curveball was the key to his success in his last outing against the Mariners. The curve, combined with his 95-mph plus fastball, proved to be too tough for the Mariners to lay off, as the ace earned his 10th win.

"On paper, it looks like a heckuva matchup Friday night: Liriano against Verlander," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. "That's pretty good. If I was a fan, I'd be interested in that. It's pretty neat."

Verlander is 7-3 with a 3.44 ERA in his last 10 starts. He's racked up 61 strikeouts during that span.

"It looks like the Twins or us or the White Sox will be in the first place, so everybody's kind of excited," Leyland said. "Who's going to be in first place at the break? Not that it means anything, but if it means something to them, that's fine. You want them to be pumped up. Twins fans are pumped up when we go up there, and our fans are pumped up when anybody comes here, it seems like to me."

Twins: Gardenhire leaves Mauer alone
Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said that he doesn't worry about Joe Mauer, and also doesn't try to give him any sort of hitting advice, either. "It's kind of like talking to the President about running the country," Gardenhire said. "Joe hits pretty good. I don't think really personally -- and I love baseball and I know a little bit about this and that -- but I don't think I can help his swing. I think he's pretty good."

... The Twins are hoping that fans will recognize what Delmon Young has done this year and that it translates into votes for the outfielder until balloting for the Final Vote comes to an end on Thursday at 3 p.m. CT.

Tigers: Cabrera enjoying hot streak
Miguel Cabrera is riding a season-best 16-game hitting streak. He went 2-for-3 in Detroit's 4-2 win against the O's on Wednesday.

... The Tigers have won 15 of their last 17 games at home. Overall, the club is 30-12 at Comerica Park this season.

... Jose Valverde has converted 18 consecutive saves, the eighth longest season streak in franchise history.

... The Tigers announced deals on Wednesday with sixth-round pick, catcher Bryan Holaday, left-handed pitcher Alex Burgos, the fifth-round pick, and seventh-rounder Corey Jones.

... Armando Galarraga, who was optioned to Triple-A on Tuesday, is slated to make only one start for Toledo, and that won't come until next Thursday. The Mud Hens are on the road for now until Saturday. For now, Galarraga is remaining with the big league club.

Worth noting


The second annual Elvis Night at Comerica Park is scheduled for Friday. Elvis tribute artist Darrin Hagel will perform the national anthem prior to the start of the game and will lead in the singing of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the seventh-inning stretch.

... Former Twins player Tom Brunansky has joined the Gulf Coast League as a coach.

... Twins farmhand Anthony Slama will replace Liam Hendricks at the All-Star Futures Game. Hendricks had an appendectomy.

... Minnesota is 19-10 in the division and 19-22 on the road this season.




Pitching matchup

TIGERS: RHP Justin Verlander (10-5, 3.85 ERA)
A win Friday would give Verlander 11 before the All-Star break for the first time in his career. Considering his first victory this year didn't come until April 22, it's quite a feat. He has rolled off five wins in his last six starts and nine in his last 12.


TWINS: LHP Francisco Liriano (6-6, 3.32 ERA)
Liriano put up good numbers in his last start against the Rays on Saturday. The lefty fanned 10 batters and walked only one. That is the most strikeouts he has had this season since retiring 11 on June 11. He pitched seven innings and gave up only one run on four hits.


From MLB Tigers Game Notes



INJURY UPDATE:
RHP Zach Miner(right elbow tendinitis, 60-day DL on March 26),
LHP Bobby Seay (left shoulder strain, 60-day DL on March 26),
RHP Joel Zumaya (non-displaced fracture of the olecranon, 60-day DL on June 29).


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Up next (Probable Pitchers)


• Saturday, July 10
TIGERS (RHP Jeremy Bonderman (4-6, 4.81 ERA)) VS TWINS (RHP Nick Blackburn (7-6, 6.00 ERA)), 4:10 p.m. ET (FOX / AM 1270 & 97.1 FM)

• Sunday, July 11
TIGERS (LHP Andy Oliver (0-2, 5.93 ERA)) VS TWINS (RHP Carl Pavano (9-6, 3.58 ERA)), 1:05 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / AM 1270 & 97.1 FM)

STARTING LINEUPS:

Minnesota AVG
Span, CF .277
Hudson, O, 2B .273
Mauer, C .297
Thome, DH .261
Kubel, RF .258
Cuddyer, 1B .260
Young, D, LF .306
Hardy, SS .230
Punto, 3B .249
Totals .271

Detroit AVG
Jackson, A, CF .306
Raburn, LF .214
Ordonez, DH .308
Cabrera, M, 1B .347
Boesch, RF .341
Guillen, C, 2B .291
Inge, 3B .272
Laird, C .189
Worth, SS .261
Totals .276

Current Conditions

Comerica Park

Fair 83 F

Humidity: 36 %

Wind: from the N at 8 mph

Barometer: 29.92 in

last updated: 7/9/10 6:05 PM EDT

Inning 1
Top Half

B:2 S:1 O:0 -
Denard Span singles on a soft fly ball to left fielder Ryan Raburn.


B:1 S:0 O:1 -
With Orlando Hudson batting, Justin Verlander picks off Denard Span at 1st on throw to Miguel Cabrera.


B:2 S:3 O:2 -
Orlando Hudson swinging.


B:1 S:3 O:3 -
Joe Mauer swinging.

0-0 after .5 inning

Bottom Half

B:4 S:1 O:0 -
Austin Jackson walks.


B:1 S:1 O:0 -
With Ryan Raburn batting, Austin Jackson steals (14) 2nd base.


B:1 S:1 O:1 -
Ryan Raburn grounds out to first baseman Michael Cuddyer. Austin Jackson to 3rd.


B:2 S:2 O:1 -
Magglio Ordonez singles on a line drive to left fielder Delmon Young. Austin Jackson scores.

DET 1, MIN 0


B:3 S:1 O:1 -
Miguel Cabrera singles on a line drive to right fielder Jason Kubel. Magglio Ordonez to 3rd.


B:3 S:1 O:1 -
Coaching visit to mound.



B:0 S:1 O:1 - Brennan Boesch singles on a sharp ground
ball to right fielder Jason Kubel. Magglio Ordonez scores. Miguel
Cabrera to 3rd.

DET 2, MIN 0





B:0 S:3 O:2 -
Carlos Guillen swinging.


B:1 S:2 O:3 -
Brandon Inge grounds out, third baseman Nick Punto to first baseman Michael Cuddyer.


DET 2, MIN 0 after 1 inning

Inning 2
Top Half

B:4 S:2 O:0 -
Jim Thome walks.


B:1 S:3 O:1 -
Jason Kubel swinging.


B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Michael Cuddyer flies out to right fielder Brennan Boesch.


B:1 S:3 O:3 -
Delmon Young swinging.

DET 2, MIN 0 after 1.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:4 S:2 O:0 - Gerald Laird walks.

B:0 S:1 O:0 - Danny Worth singles on a bunt ground ball to pitcher Francisco Liriano. Gerald Laird to 2nd.

B:0 S:0 O:1 - Austin Jackson out on a sacrifice bunt, catcher Joe Mauer to second baseman Orlando Hudson. Gerald Laird to 3rd. Danny Worth to 2nd.

B:2 S:2 O:1 - Ryan Raburn hit by pitch.


B:0 S:1 O:1 - Magglio Ordonez singles on a ground ball to center fielder Denard Span. Gerald Laird scores. Danny Worth scores. Ryan Raburn to 3rd.

DET 4, MIN 0


B:0 S:1 O:1 - Coaching visit to mound.

B:0 S:1 O:2 - Miguel Cabrera out on a sacrifice fly to right fielder Jason Kubel in foul territory. Ryan Raburn scores.

DET 5, MIN 0


B:0 S:0 O:2 - Brennan Boesch hit by pitch. Magglio Ordonez to 2nd.


B:1 S:1 O:2 - Carlos Guillen triples (1) on a line drive to center fielder Denard Span. Magglio Ordonez scores. Brennan Boesch scores.

DET 7, MIN 0


B:1 S:1 O:2 - Coaching visit to mound.

B:0 S:0 O:2 - Pitcher Change: Alex Burnett replaces Francisco Liriano.


B:2 S:3 O:3 - Brandon Inge swinging.

DET 7, MIN 0 after 2 innings

Inning 3
Top Half

B:1 S:3 O:1 -
J. Hardy swinging, catcher Gerald Laird to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.


B:0 S:2 O:2 -
Nick Punto grounds out to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.


B:2 S:1 O:3 -
Denard Span flies out to left fielder Ryan Raburn.

DET 7, MIN 0 after 2.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:0 S:1 O:1 -
Gerald Laird lines out deep to right fielder Jason Kubel.


B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Danny Worth singles on a line drive to right fielder Jason Kubel.

B:0 S:1 O:3 - Austin Jackson lines into double play,
second baseman Orlando Hudson to first baseman Michael Cuddyer. Danny
Worth doubled off 1st.

DET 7, MIN 0 after 3 innings

Inning 4
Top Half

B:2 S:0 O:0 -
Orlando Hudson singles on a ground ball to right fielder Brennan Boesch.


B:4 S:2 O:0 -
Joe Mauer walks. Orlando Hudson to 2nd.


B:3 S:3 O:1 -
Jim Thome called out on .


B:0 S:0 O:1 - Jason Kubel singles on a line drive to
center fielder Austin Jackson. Orlando Hudson scores. Joe Mauer
advances to 3rd, on fielding error by center fielder Austin Jackson.

DET 7, MIN 1




B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Coaching visit to mound.


B:1 S:3 O:2 -
Michael Cuddyer swinging.


B:2 S:2 O:3 -
Delmon Young lines out to center fielder Austin Jackson.

DET 7, MIN 1 after 3.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:1 S:0 O:1 -
Ryan Raburn flies out to center fielder Denard Span.


B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Magglio Ordonez grounds out, second baseman Orlando Hudson to first baseman Michael Cuddyer.


B:3 S:1 O:3 -
Miguel Cabrera grounds out, third baseman Nick Punto to first baseman Michael Cuddyer.

DET 7, MIN 1 after 4 innings

Inning 5
Top Half

B:2 S:2 O:1 -
J. Hardy grounds out, shortstop Danny Worth to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.


B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Nick Punto flies out to left fielder Ryan Raburn in foul territory.


B:2 S:2 O:3 -
Denard Span flies out to left fielder Ryan Raburn.

DET 7, MIN 1 after 4.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:2 S:1 O:0 -
Brennan Boesch doubles (18) on a ground ball to left fielder Delmon Young.


B:1 S:2 O:0 -
Carlos Guillen singles on a ground ball to third baseman Nick Punto.


B:2 S:2 O:2 - Brandon Inge grounds into double play,
shortstop J. Hardy to second baseman Orlando Hudson to first baseman
Michael Cuddyer. Brennan Boesch to 3rd. Carlos Guillen out at 2nd.


B:0 S:1 O:3 -
Gerald Laird grounds out, shortstop J. Hardy to first baseman Michael Cuddyer.

DET 7, MIN 1 after 5 innings

Inning 6
Top Half

B:2 S:0 O:0 - Orlando Hudson singles on a sharp ground ball to center fielder Austin Jackson.

B:3 S:2 O:1 - With Joe Mauer batting, Justin Verlander picks off Orlando Hudson at 1st on throw to Miguel Cabrera.

B:3 S:2 O:1 - Joe Mauer singles on a ground ball to second baseman Carlos Guillen.


B:0 S:0 O:1 - Jim Thome singles on a line drive to right fielder Brennan Boesch. Joe Mauer to 2nd.


B:3 S:2 O:1 - Jason Kubel singles on a line drive to left fielder Ryan Raburn. Joe Mauer scores. Jim Thome to 2nd.

DET 7, MIN 2


B:3 S:2 O:1 - Coaching visit to mound.


B:3 S:1 O:1 - Michael Cuddyer singles on a soft line drive to center fielder Austin Jackson. Jim Thome to 3rd. Jason Kubel to 2nd.

B:3 S:1 O:1 - Coaching visit to mound.

B:0 S:0 O:1 - Pitcher Change: Robbie Weinhardt replaces Justin Verlander.

B:1 S:1 O:3 - Delmon Young grounds into double play,
second baseman Carlos Guillen to first baseman Miguel Cabrera. Michael
Cuddyer out at 2nd.

DET 7, MIN 2 after 5.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Pitcher Change: Brian Duensing replaces Alex Burnett.


B:1 S:3 O:1 -
Danny Worth swinging.


B:4 S:0 O:1 -
Austin Jackson walks.


B:1 S:0 O:2 - Ryan Raburn grounds into a force out,
third baseman Nick Punto to second baseman Orlando Hudson. Austin
Jackson out at 2nd. Ryan Raburn to 1st.


B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Offensive Substitution: Pinch runner Don Kelly replaces Ryan Raburn.


B:1 S:1 O:2 -
Magglio Ordonez singles on a line drive to right fielder Jason Kubel. Don Kelly to 2nd.


B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Coaching visit to mound.


B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Pitcher Change: Matt Guerrier replaces Brian Duensing.


B:0 S:2 O:2 -
With Miguel Cabrera batting, wild pitch by Matt Guerrier, Don Kelly to 3rd. Magglio Ordonez to 2nd.


B:2 S:3 O:3 -
Miguel Cabrera swinging.


DET 7, MIN 2 after 6 innings

Inning 7
Top Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Don Kelly remains in the game as the left fielder.


B:0 S:3 O:1 -
J. Hardy swinging.


B:3 S:3 O:2 -
Nick Punto called out on .


B:2 S:2 O:3 -
Denard Span grounds out to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

DET 7, MIN 2 after 6.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Pitcher Change: Jose Mijares replaces Matt Guerrier.


B:1 S:3 O:1 -
Brennan Boesch swinging.


B:1 S:2 O:2 -
Carlos Guillen grounds out, third baseman Nick Punto to first baseman Michael Cuddyer.


B:2 S:3 O:3 -
Brandon Inge swinging.

DET 7, MIN 2 after 7 innings

Inning 8
Top Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Pitcher Change: Phil Coke replaces Robbie Weinhardt.


B:2 S:0 O:1 -
Orlando Hudson grounds out, third baseman Brandon Inge to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.


B:2 S:1 O:2 -
Joe Mauer grounds out to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.


B:4 S:2 O:2 -
Jim Thome walks.


B:1 S:0 O:3 -
Jason Kubel flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson.

DET 7, MIN 2 after 7.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Pitcher Change: Jesse Crain replaces Jose Mijares.


B:3 S:2 O:0 -
Gerald Laird singles on a ground ball to left fielder Delmon Young.


B:2 S:0 O:1 - Danny Worth grounds into a force out,
shortstop J. Hardy to second baseman Orlando Hudson. Gerald Laird out
at 2nd. Danny Worth to 1st.

B:1 S:2 O:3 - Austin Jackson grounds into double play,
third baseman Nick Punto to second baseman Orlando Hudson to first
baseman Michael Cuddyer. Danny Worth out at 2nd.

DET 7, MIN 2 after 8 innings

Inning 9
Top Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Pitcher Change: Ryan Perry replaces Phil Coke.


B:2 S:1 O:0 -
Michael Cuddyer doubles (19) on a line drive to right fielder Brennan Boesch.


B:1 S:0 O:0 -
Coaching visit to mound.


B:3 S:1 O:0 -
Delmon Young singles on a line drive to left fielder Don Kelly. Michael Cuddyer to 3rd.


B:3 S:1 O:0 -
Coaching visit to mound.


B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Pitcher Change: Jose Valverde replaces Ryan Perry.



B:2 S:2 O:0 -
With J. Hardy batting, Delmon Young steals (4) 2nd base.


B:2 S:2 O:0 -
J. Hardy singles on a ground ball to left fielder Don Kelly. Michael Cuddyer scores. Delmon Young to 3rd.

DET 7, MIN 3





B:1 S:0 O:0 -
With Nick Punto batting, passed ball by Gerald Laird, J. Hardy to 2nd.


B:1 S:2 O:1 -
Nick Punto flies out to left fielder Don Kelly in foul territory.


B:3 S:3 O:2 -
Denard Span swinging.


B:1 S:1 O:3 -
Orlando Hudson grounds out softly, third baseman Brandon Inge to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.


DET 7, MIN 3 final box score > click here <