GDT: 7/17/10 GM 1- DET (48-39) AT CLE (35-54) - 1:05 p.m. ET

All-Star hurlers kick off twin bill in Cleveland

By Alex DiFilippo / MLB.com

If the Tigers are going to remain a contender for the American League Central crown, manager Jim Leyland said his club must improve in two aspects.

"To me this is real simple," Leyland said. "There are two things we have to do if we want to stay in this thing in the hunt until the end. We have to play better on the road in the second half and we have to play better in our division. If we do that, we will be in the hunt. But it's going to be no day at the beach the second half."

On Friday, the Tigers had an opportunity to accomplish both on the road against their divisional foe, yet came up empty handed in an 8-2 loss to the Indians.

Detroit will get another chance on Saturday. Actually they will get two chances -- as the teams will play a day-night doubleheader to make up for a May 7 postponement.

The afternoon game will feature a battle between AL All-Star pitchers. Justin Verlander (11-5, 3.82 ERA) and Fausto Carmona (8-7, 3.64 ERA) will square off in the makeup game and look to build off a strong first half of the season.

But the main talking point coming out of Saturday will likely come from the pitching battle in the nightcap.

Starting for the Tigers will be Rick Porcello, who will throw his first game in the bigs since being optioned to Triple-A Toledo on June 20. He posted a 4-7 record with a 6.14 ERA in 13 starts for the Tigers before being sent down to Toledo, and went 1-2 with a 3.21 ERA in four outings for the Mud Hens.

His numbers for Toledo were far from sparkling, but in his last start he tossed seven shutout innings, yet received a no-decision. A lot will ride on the start for Porcello. Leyland wouldn't say if the 21-year-old would stay in the rotation or not, but a good start certainly wouldn't hurt his chances.

"He's got to be on top of his game," Leyland said. "We want to see improvement from his secondary stuff, a better changeup and breaking ball."

Like Porcello, Indians starter Mitch Talbot will be looking to get back on track. Talbot (8-8, 3.99 ERA) has been impressive for Cleveland this season, but has lost his last two starts and four of his last five. However, Talbot hasn't received much run support from his teammates, as he's only surrendered six combined earned runs in his last two starts.

"It's part of baseball," Talbot said when asked about his lack of run support. "You have to learn to work through that."

In three career starts, Talbot has struggled against the Tigers. He holds a 1-1 record with a 9.49 ERA against Detroit.

Tigers: Cabrera still rolling
Slugger Miguel Cabrera upped his hitting streak to a career-high 20 games on Friday. He also recorded an RBI single to stay atop the Major League leader boards with 78 RBIs.

For his efforts, Cabrera was awarded the American League Player of the Week for July 5-11. He batted .435 with three doubles, a triple, two home runs and eight RBIs in six games during the week.

The opposing manager even acknowledged how special of a talent Cabrera has become.

"He's gifted as a hitter," Indians skipper Manny Acta said. "The first thing that comes to mind was the World Series, when he hit an opposite field home run off [Roger] Clemens. He threw one up and in, and the kid went down, dusted himself off, then hit it out. That makes the beginnings of a great hitter. All he's done since he got up here is hit."

Indians: Peralta likely to return on Saturday
Jhonny Peralta was out of the lineup in Friday's win against the Tigers. Peralta was battling a bad case of the flu and Acta opted to give him Friday off to try and get over the illness.

"He couldn't work out [Thursday]," Acta said. "For precautionary reasons, we're giving him the day off, and he'll go through the [pregame] workout today."

Peralta was available for a late-game situation on Friday, but wasn't used. The third baseman is hitting .252 with six home runs and 39 RBIs for the Indians this season.

Worth noting
With Friday's loss, Tigers pitcher Max Scherzer is now 0-6 against AL Central opponents this season.

... The Tigers are 20-7 against the Indians since the start of the 2009 season.

... The Indians released veteran catcher Mike Redmond on Friday.

... David Huff may be the leading candidate for a spot start on Sunday against the Tigers.

... Outfielder David Brantley snapped an 0-for-18 hitting drought entering Friday's game, going 1-for-5 in the victory.

... The Indians lead the Major Leagues with 111 double plays turned, which includes one twisted against the Tigers on Friday.



Pitching matchup

TIGERS: RHP Justin Verlander (11-5, 3.82 ERA)
Verlander said his curveball was the best it has been all season after his last start. In fact, he said it was actually too good. In his last outing, the Twins hitters were sitting on the breaking pitch and waiting to get in fastball counts.


INDIANS: RHP Fausto Carmona (8-7, 3.64 ERA)
The Tribe's lone All-Star will start the second half having won his last start, when he went 6 2/3 and allowed just two runs against Tampa Bay. Carmona walked four, but he only gave up five hits and struck out four en route to his team-high-tying eighth win of the year.


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 17
TIGERS (RHP Rick Porcello (4-7, 6.14 ERA)) AT INDIANS (RHP Mitch Talbot (8-8, 3.99 ERA)), 7:05 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / AM 1270 & 97.1 FM)

• Sunday, July 18
TIGERS (LHP Andy Oliver (0-3, 6.38 ERA)) AT INDIANS (LHP David Huff (2-9, 6.04 ERA)), 1:05 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / AM 1270 & 97.1 FM)

• Monday, July 19
TIGERS (RHP Jeremy Bonderman (5-6, 4.79 ERA)) VS RANGERS (RHP Scott Feldman (5-8, 5.32 ERA)), 7:05 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / AM 1270 & 97.1 FM)

• Tuesday, July 20
TIGERS (RHP Armando Galarraga (3-2, 4.45 ERA)) VS RANGERS (RHP Tommy Hunter (6-0, 2.39 ERA)), 7:05 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / AM 1270 & 97.1 FM)

• Wednessday, July 21
TIGERS (RHP Max Scherzer (6-7, 4.74 ERA)) VS RANGERS (TBA), 7:05 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / AM 1270 & 97.1 FM)

Inning 1
Top Half

B:1 S:1 O:0 -
Austin Jackson singles on a line drive to right fielder Shelley Duncan.


B:1 S:0 O:1 -
Johnny Damon pops out to third baseman Andy Marte.


B:0 S:1 O:2 -
Magglio Ordonez flies out to right fielder Shelley Duncan.


B:2 S:2 O:2 -
With Miguel Cabrera batting, Austin Jackson steals (16) 2nd base.


B:4 S:2 O:2 -
Miguel Cabrera walks.


B:4 S:2 O:2 -
Brennan Boesch walks. Austin Jackson to 3rd. Miguel Cabrera to 2nd.


B:0 S:1 O:2 - Carlos Guillen singles on a ground ball
to center fielder Michael Brantley. Austin Jackson scores. Miguel
Cabrera scores. Brennan Boesch to 3rd.

DET 2, CLE 0




B:0 S:0 O:3 - Brandon Inge doubles (23) on a line
drive to left fielder Trevor Crowe. Brennan Boesch scores. Carlos
Guillen out at home on the throw, left fielder Trevor Crowe to
shortstop Jason Donald to catcher Carlos Santana.

DET 3, CLE 0

DET 3, CLE 0 AFTER .5 INNING

Bottom Half

B:2 S:2 O:1 -
Michael Brantley flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson.


B:1 S:3 O:2 -
Jayson Nix called out on .


B:3 S:3 O:3 -
Carlos Santana called out on .


DET 3, CLE 0 AFTER 1 INNING

Inning 2
Top Half

B:4 S:1 O:0 -
Alex Avila walks.


B:1 S:1 O:1 -
Ramon Santiago flies out to center fielder Michael Brantley.


B:3 S:2 O:3 - Austin Jackson grounds into double play,
third baseman Andy Marte to second baseman Jayson Nix to first baseman
Matt LaPorta. Alex Avila out at 2nd.

DET 3, CLE 0 AFTER 1.5 INNINGS

Bottom Half

B:2 S:2 O:1 -
Travis Hafner lines out to right fielder Magglio Ordonez.


B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Matt LaPorta flies out to right fielder Magglio Ordonez.


B:4 S:2 O:2 -
Shelley Duncan walks.


B:0 S:3 O:3 -
Trevor Crowe called out on .

DET 3, CLE 0 AFTER 2 INNINGS

Inning 3
Top Half

B:4 S:1 O:0 -
Johnny Damon walks.

B:4 S:1 O:0 -
Coaching visit to mound.

B:4 S:2 O:0 -
Magglio Ordonez walks. Johnny Damon to 2nd.


B:0 S:0 O:2 - Miguel Cabrera grounds into double play,
third baseman Andy Marte to second baseman Jayson Nix to first baseman
Matt LaPorta. Johnny Damon to 3rd. Magglio Ordonez out at 2nd.


B:1 S:2 O:3 -
Brennan Boesch grounds out, shortstop Jason Donald to first baseman Matt LaPorta.



DET 3, CLE 0 AFTER 2.5 INNINGS

BOTTOM HALF

A Marte singled to left.

J Donald doubled to deep center, A Marte scored.

DET 3, CLE 1

M Brantley singled to center, J Donald scored.

DET 3, CLE 2

M Brantley stole second.

J Nix out looking.

C Santana grounded out to second, M Brantley to third.

T Hafner walked.

M LaPorta flied out to center.

DET 3, CLE 2 AFTER 3 INNINGS

Inning 4
Top Half

B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Carlos Guillen grounds out to first baseman Matt LaPorta.


B:1 S:3 O:2 -
Brandon Inge called out on .


B:4 S:2 O:2 -
Alex Avila walks.


B:2 S:2 O:3 -
Ramon Santiago grounds out, shortstop Jason Donald to first baseman Matt LaPorta.



Bottom Half

B:1 S:3 O:1 -
Shelley Duncan out on foul tip.


B:1 S:1 O:2 -
Trevor Crowe grounds out, second baseman Carlos Guillen to pitcher Justin Verlander.


B:1 S:1 O:3 -
Andy Marte flies out to left fielder Brennan Boesch.

DET 3, CLE 2 AFTER 4 INNINGS

Inning 5
Top Half

Jackson - 1 out

Damon singles

Maggs gidp - 3 outs

DET 3, CLE 2 AFTER 4.5 INNINGS

Bottom half

Donald - 1 out

Brantley singles

Nix walks, Brantley on 2nd

Santana walks, bases loaded

Hafner - 2 outs

LaPorta - 3 outs

DET 3, CLE 2 AFTER 5 INNINGS

Inning 6
Top Half

Cabrera grounds out - 1 out

Boesch grounds out - 2 outs

Guillen grounds out - 3 outs

DET 3, CLE 2 AFTER 5.5 INNINGS

Bottom Half

B:0 S:1 O:0 -
Shelley Duncan singles on a ground ball to left fielder Brennan Boesch, deflected by third baseman Brandon Inge.


B:1 S:0 O:1 -
Trevor Crowe flies out to left fielder Brennan Boesch.


B:2 S:3 O:2 -
Andy Marte out swinging.


B:1 S:2 O:2 -
Jason Donald singles on a soft fly ball to right fielder Magglio Ordonez. Shelley Duncan to 2nd.


B:1 S:0 O:2 -
With Michael Brantley batting, wild pitch by Justin Verlander, Shelley Duncan to 3rd. Jason Donald to 2nd.


B:4 S:1 O:2 -
Michael Brantley walks.


B:4 S:1 O:2 -
Coaching visit to mound.


B:4 S:1 O:2 -
Coaching visit to mound.


B:1 S:1 O:2 - With Jayson Nix batting, wild pitch by
Justin Verlander, Shelley Duncan scores. Jason Donald to 3rd. Michael
Brantley to 2nd.

DET 3, CLE 3


B:2 S:2 O:3 -
Jayson Nix pops out to first baseman Miguel Cabrera in foul territory.

DET 3, CLE 3 after 6 innings

Inning 7
Top Half

B:2 S:3 O:1 -
Brandon Inge called out on .


B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Alex Avila grounds out, second baseman Jayson Nix to first baseman Matt LaPorta.


B:3 S:2 O:2 - Ramon Santiago singles on a line drive
to center fielder Michael Brantley. Ramon Santiago advances to 2nd, on
fielding error by center fielder Michael Brantley.



B:2 S:2 O:3 -
Austin Jackson grounds out, shortstop Jason Donald to first baseman Matt LaPorta.

DET 3, CLE 3 after 6.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Pitcher Change: Phil Coke replaces Justin Verlander.


B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Carlos Santana flies out to right fielder Magglio Ordonez.


B:2 S:1 O:2 -
Travis Hafner grounds out, second baseman Carlos Guillen to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.


B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Matt LaPorta doubles (8) on a fly ball to center fielder Austin Jackson.


B:4 S:0 O:2 -
Phil Coke intentionally walks Shelley Duncan.


B:4 S:0 O:2 -
Coaching visit to mound.


B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Offensive Substitution: Pinch runner Austin Kearns replaces Shelley Duncan.



B:1 S:2 O:3 - Trevor Crowe singles on a line drive to
left fielder Brennan Boesch. Matt LaPorta scores. Trevor Crowe out at
2nd, left fielder Brennan Boesch to shortstop Ramon Santiago to second
baseman Carlos Guillen.

CLE 4, DET 3 after 7 innings

Inning 8
Top Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Austin Kearns remains in the game as the right fielder.


B:0 S:1 O:0 -
Johnny Damon doubles (22) on a fly ball to right fielder Austin Kearns.


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


B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Pitcher Change: Joe Smith replaces Fausto Carmona.


B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Magglio Ordonez grounds out, third baseman Andy Marte to first baseman Matt LaPorta.


B:2 S:3 O:2 -
Miguel Cabrera out on foul tip.


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


B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Pitcher Change: Rafael Perez replaces Joe Smith.


B:1 S:0 O:3 -
Brennan Boesch grounds out, third baseman Andy Marte to first baseman Matt LaPorta.

CLE 4, DET 3 after 7.5 innings

Bottom Half

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


B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Andy Marte flies out to right fielder Magglio Ordonez.


B:1 S:3 O:2 -
Jason Donald called out on .


B:1 S:2 O:3 -
Michael Brantley lines out sharply to third baseman Brandon Inge.

CLE 4, DET 3 after 8 innings

Inning 9
Top Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Pitcher Change: Chris Perez replaces Rafael Perez.


B:0 S:2 O:1 -
Carlos Guillen lines out to left fielder Trevor Crowe.


B:4 S:2 O:1 -
Brandon Inge walks.


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


B:3 S:3 O:2 -
Alex Avila out swinging. Brandon Inge steals (2) 2nd base.


B:1 S:2 O:3 -
Ramon Santiago flies out to left fielder Trevor Crowe.

CLE 4, DET 3 final box score > click here <