Detroit pitcher Max Scherzer came away victorious for the fourth consecutive start on Sunday afternoon from Comerica Park, as the hard-throwing right-hander struck out nine batters over seven innings in a 5-2 Tigers victory.
Once barely above .500 overall heading into the All-Star break (6-5), Scherzer has been one of baseball's most electric pitchers in the second-half with a 6-1 mark. He wasted little time running through a banged-up Angels lineup in Sunday's win. The 28-year-old righty has now fanned at least eight batters in every single start dating back to July 13, and may just be on his way toward winning an American League strikeout crown this year if he can keep this impressive streak going.
Offensively, outfielder Andy Dirks put forth a strong effort from the plate on Sunday while serving in Miguel Cabrera's usual No. 3 spot in the order, and put the Tigers on the scoreboard in the third inning with an RBI triple. Dirks finished 2-for-3 on the day with a pair of runs scored to bump his season average to .337, as the speedster continues to pay huge dividends when placed virtually anywhere in Jim Leyland's lineup.
Winners of five of their last six, the Tigers will head to Kansas City Tuesday for a three-game set with the Royals. Ace Justin Verlander will take the mound in hopes of one-upping Scherzer's strong outing.
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