@ Comerica Park
Game 1: Friday, August 7th, 7:05 PM ET.
Anthony Swarzak, RHP (3-4, 4.25) Vs. Armando Galarraga, RHP (5-10, 5.22)
Twins: Swarzak had become Minnesota's stopper over his past few starts but ran into a tough Angels squad and picked up his fourth loss of the season. The rookie was chased in the fourth before recording an out, making it the shortest start of his young career. It was the second straight start for Swarzak against Anaheim; he was victorious against the Angels on the road. But he didn't have the same command at the Metrodome, as is evident by the nine hits he allowed. He will be facing the Tigers for the first time.
Tigers: The numbers from Galarraga's career-worst start his last time out are somewhat deceptive, since the Tigers needed him to fill innings for a short bullpen corps Sunday at Cleveland. Nonetheless, he paid for falling behind hitters and pitching tentatively at times, allowing eight runs on 11 hits over 5 2/3 innings, erasing the momentum from a well-pitched but winless July. He had a quality start in defeat to the Orioles at Camden Yards on May 28, allowing three runs over seven innings. His 4.52 ERA at Comerica Park is nearly a full run better than on the road.
Game 2: Saturday, August 8th, 7:05 PM ET.
MIN Glen Perkins, LHP (6-7, 5.95) Vs. Justin Verlander, RHP (12-5, 3.29)
Twins: Perkins was roughed up for nine runs on 12 hits -- both season highs -- as he picked up his second loss in his last three outings. The lefty had trouble getting the ball up against Los Angeles and was finally chased from the game in the fifth. He gave up two home runs to the Angels, including a three-run blast by Kendry Morales. With the four-inning outing, Perkins has failed to pitch into the seventh inning in four of his last five starts, which hasn't helped Minnesota's overused bullpen. Perkins did not factor into the decision in his only start against Detroit this year, as he went 5 1/3 and gave up five earned runs back in May versus the Tigers.
Tigers: Verlander gave up five first-inning runs in his last outing Monday against the Orioles, then shut them down for the next seven innings, allowing Detroit to come back and tie the game before winning on a walk-off homer. It ended Verlander's streak of quality starts at five, but it still marked the Tigers' fifth victory in Verlander's past six starts. He struck out a season-high 13 Twins in his last meeting with Minnesota in May, but ended up with no decision.
Game 3: Sunday, August 9th, 1:05 PM ET.
Scott Baker, RHP (9-7, 4.59) Vs. Jarrod Washburn, LHP (8-7, 2.93)
Twins: Baker continued his strong start to the second half when he pitched seven shutout innings against the Indians in his last start. The right-hander held the Tribe to just three hits and issued just one walk while throwing 109 pitches. The only problem that has remained for Baker is that opponents are fouling off too many pitches, keeping him from going deeper into outings. In four starts since the All-Star Break, Baker is 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA. Next up Baker will face the Tigers. He is 4-3 with a 3.97 ERA in 13 career starts against Detroit.
Tigers: Washburn's Tigers debut was a bit of a letdown Tuesday against the Orioles, who put up two homers and six runs over his 5 1/3 innings. His next three starts will be at Comerica Park, including Sunday's indoctrination into this year's AL Central race. He allowed a lone run over 14 innings in two previous matchups with the Twins this season.
