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Tigers ace Verlander takes hill in Chicago

Sep 13, 2011 - 2:59 PM (Sports Network) - A pair of impressive streaks will be on the line tonight when the red-hot Detroit Tigers continue a three-game series with the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field.

Detroit won its 10th straight game on Monday, as Ryan Raburn had four hits and three RBI in a 14-4 rout.

The Tigers pounded out 21 hits and are in the midst of their best run since 1968, when the club won 11 in a row. The Tigers also increased their lead in the American League Central to 11 1/2 games over the White Sox and Cleveland Indians, lowering their magic number to six for clinching their first division title since winning the American League East back in 1987.

"Our goal has been to go out and win every ballgame," said Brandon Inge, who had three hits. "That's the key for us, because we know if we win every ballgame no one can catch us."

All the run support made for an easy victory for Rick Porcello (14-8), who allowed three runs in 6 2/3 innings.

White Sox starter John Danks (6-12) allowed eight runs -- seven earned -- in five innings to take the loss. Chicago is tied with Cleveland for second-place in the division.

"I didn't do my job very good at all. I actually did a terrible job," Danks said. "But like I said, they're playing pretty good baseball, now, too. I don't know what else you can say."

The Tigers won't be the only ones hoping to extend a streak, as American League Cy Young Award front-runner Justin Verlander will be trying to become the first Tiger since Hall of Famer Hal Newhouser in 1946 to win 11 consecutive starts.

Verlander didn't have his best stuff on Wednesday in Cleveland, but earned the win nonetheless, as he allowed four runs and three hits in six innings to run his record to 22-5 to go along with a 2.44 ERA.

"Everybody else sees Justin and thinks every time he's going to pitch, he's going to throw a perfect game," catcher Alex Avila said. "We're a little bit more in touch with reality sometimes, knowing how long a season can be. There's a reason why it's a team game."

The hard-throwing righty has beaten the White Sox four times already this season and is 11-10 lifetime against them with a 4.31 ERA in 24 starts.

Chicago will counter with righty Gavin Floyd, who is 12-10 with a 4.35 ERA. Floyd did not get a decision on Thursday against the Indians, as he allowed a run and five hits in 5 2/3 innings of a 8-1 win.

He is 6-1 in 16 starts versus the Tigers with a 3.51 ERA.

The Tigers swept the White Sox at the start of the month and are 11-5 against them this season, but just 4-3 in the Windy City.