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Tigers set for crucial matchup with Twins

Sep 27, 2014 - 1:38 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - The Detroit Tigers will try once again to secure a fourth straight American League Central title when they resume a four-game series with the Minnesota Twins Saturday at Comerica Park.

The Tigers are one game ahead of the Kansas City Royals and can secure the crown with a win and a Royals loss in Chicago.

Detroit was aiming for its fourth straight win and a stranglehold on the AL Central, but suffered an 11-4 loss to the Twins Friday night. Rick Porcello didn't have his best stuff and was touched for six runs -- four earned -- and six hits in just 3 2/3 innings.

Miguel Cabrera was the lone bright spot offensively for the Tigers and finished 3-for-4 with his 25th home run, two RBI and two runs scored.

"Tonight was not a good night for us," Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said. "We gotta find a way to win. Right now, we're in the lead. It's in our hands. We have to do it."

The Tigers will put Kyle Lobstein to the test when he takes the mound Saturday and the young hurler is 1-1 with a 3.38 earned run average in six games (5 starts) this season. Lobstein was dealt the loss in Monday's 2-0 defeat at the hands of the White Sox and gave up both runs in seven innings.

Lobstein faced the Twins for the first time in his career on Aug. 23 in a 12-4 setback and did not record a decision, charged with three runs over 5 2/3 innings.

Minnesota will try to play spoiler again and has won three of four games.

Oswaldo Arcia hit a two-run homer during a three-run first inning and Brian Dozier collected three hits, including a home run, three RBI and three runs scored for the Twins, who occupy last place in the AL Central. Arcia drove in three runs and Danny Santana went 3-for-6.

"It was just one of those nights where the ball started falling," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "We haven't had a lot of success against Porcello. Tonight, we made him work a little bit."

A.J. Achter picked up the win with two innings of relief and starter Anthony Swarzak was reached for three runs in 4 1/3 innings.

Ricky Nolasco draws the start for the Twins Saturday and is 5-12 with a 5.47 earned run average. Nolasco hasn't won since July 1 versus Kansas City and is 0-6 with a 5.44 ERA in his last nine starts. Minnesota is 1-8 in that time.

Nolasco allowed five runs and nine hits in 4 2/3 innings of Monday's 6-2 loss to Arizona, one start after throwing eight scoreless innings versus Detroit on Sept. 16. He did not receive a decision in that 4-3 win over the Tigers and has no record and a 2.03 ERA in two career starts against them.

Minnesota is 9-8 against the Tigers this season.