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Playoff-bound Tigers begin final homestand of season

Sep 26, 2006 - 2:03 PM Toronto (83-73) at Detroit (94-62) 7:05 pm EDT

DETROIT (Ticker) -- The Detroit Tigers already have clinched their first playoff berth in 19 years. They attempt to take another step toward a division title in Tuesday's opener of a three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Tigers swept a three-game series at Kansas City over the weekend, securing their first playoff appearance since 1987 with Sunday's 11-4 triumph. Tied with the New York Yankees for the best record in the American League, Detroit has a one-game lead over Minnesota in the chase for the AL Central title.

Seeking their first four-game winning streak since early August, the Tigers give the ball to Jeremy Bonderman (13-8, 4.11 ERA). The 23-year-old righthander has won his last two starts - allowing two runs in six innings of each - after going 0-4 with a 5.50 ERA in his previous nine outings.

Bonderman also gave up two runs in six innings at Toronto on June 9, but Detroit's bullpen surrendered eight runs in the eighth to take a 10-5 loss. In five lifetime appearances - four starts - against the Blue Jays, Bonderman has gone 1-1 with a 4.00 ERA.

Bidding to finish above third in the AL East standings for the first time since 1993, Toronto climbed into second with Monday's 5-0 triumph in the finale of a four-game series against Boston. Rookie Shaun Marcum recorded a season-high 10 strikeouts while pitching the first eight innings of a two-hitter.

The Blue Jays next turn to Dustin McGowan (1-1, 8.34) as they seek a second four-game winning streak in the last two weeks. Pitching in place of injured ace Roy Halladay, McGowan starts for the first time since allowing five runs and five hits in 4 1/3 innings of a 7-4 loss at Oakland on July 29.

The 24-year-old McGowan is making his ninth career start but third against the Tigers. The righthander recorded his first major league win vs. Detroit on August 9, 2005 but was pounded for 12 runs and nine hits in 4 1/3 innings of a 17-6 loss here 12 days later.