Riding a 12-game winning streak, the Tigers coast into the Bay Area with an AL Central crown in their sights.
Detroit has swept four consecutive three-game series -- all from Central Division opponents -- as they prepare to take on the Oakland Athletics tonight in the first of a four-game series.
The Tigers are the hottest team in baseball and have distanced themselves from the competition within their division. Detroit's lead stands at 13 1/2 game over both Cleveland and Chicago and are just 3 1/2 back of New York for the top record in the American League. Detroit's could potentially win the division tonight with a win and a Cleveland loss in Texas.
The Tigers will send Max Scherzer to the mound tonight as he aims for his 15th victory of the season. Scherzer was halted in that quest last time out against Minnesota, where he earned a no-decision in a 3-2 Detroit win.
Oakland will send Brandon McCarthy to the mound to oppose him. McCarthy gave up three runs in six innings in his last start, picking up a loss to Texas.
Pitching Matchups
Sept. 15
Max Scherzer (14-8) at Brandon McCarthy (8-8)
Scherzer career vs. OAK: 1-0, 0.00 ERA
McCarthy career vs. DET: 1-3, 4.36 ERA
Sept. 16
Doug Fister (8-13) at Trevor Cahill (11-13)
Fister career vs. OAK: 4-3, 2.77 ERA
Cahill career vs. DET: 2-1, 4.18 ERA
Sept. 17
Rick Porcello (14-8) at Gio Gonzalez (13-12)
Porcello career vs. OAK: 2-3, 4.50 ERA
Gonzalez career vs. DET: 0-3, 6.87 ERA
Sept. 18
Justin Verlander (23-5) at Jeff Francis (5-16)
Verlander career vs. OAK: 4-5, 3.00 ERA
Francis career vs. DET: 0-2, 3.38 ERA