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Playoff-hopeful Tigers try to stretch win streak vs. Tribe

Sep 15, 2012 - 1:36 PM (Sports Network) - The Detroit Tigers aim for a fourth straight win Saturday and can pull into a tie atop the American League Central when they continue a three-game series against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field.

Detroit enters the day a game behind the Chicago White Sox, who play at Minnesota in the afternoon as well.

The Tigers haven't won four in a row since reeling off six consecutive victories at the start of August.

Detroit starter for today, Anibal Sanchez is 0-2 over his last three starts, but the Tigers have scored just four times in those contests. Most recently, he pitched seven innings in a 3-2 road loss to the Angels. This will be his fourth career start versus the Indians.

Cleveland righty Justin Masterson can equal a career high for wins today. Masterson allowed six runs over 6 2/3 innings in a loss to the Twins on Monday. He is 2-5 with a 5.19 ERA in 13 games (10 starts) against Detroit.

Last night, Justin Verlander pitched seven shutout innings and the Tigers scored early to take a 4-0 win. Verlander (14-8) scattered six hits and a walk while striking out six for the win. Austin Jackson and Miguel Cabrera each scored once and drove in a run for the Tigers.

"He came out there hard and sometimes he exerts himself too much way too early," said Tigers manager Jim Leyland about Verlander. "But, he was able to work himself out of some jams and it worked out for us tonight."

Lonnie Chisenhall had two of the six hits for the Indians, who have lost six of seven. Corey Kluber (1-4) gave up four runs on eight hits in five innings to take the loss.

"I think that more recently it's been that I have a plan on how to attack opposing hitters, but they also have a plan," said Kluber. "I need to do a better job of recognizing that and changing my game, but that's part of learning in the majors."

Cleveland leads the season series, 9-7.