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Tigers nearing Central title, continue series vs. Twins

Sep 26, 2014 - 2:49 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - The Detroit Tigers take aim at their fourth straight American League Central title on Friday when they resume a four-game series with the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park.

Detroit lowered its magic number to two to clinch the division on Thursday, as Victor Martinez had three hits, including a two-run to help the Tigers to a 4-2 win.

The Tigers, who have already clinched at least a wild-card berth, remained two games up on Kansas City for first place in the AL Central. They can secure the crown as early as Friday with a win and a Royals loss in Chicago.

Miguel Cabrera added a solo homer for the Tigers, who have won three in a row and are 12-5 in their last 17 games. Max Scherzer (18-5) struck out nine in six innings to remain unbeaten in five September starts.

Twins rookie Trevor May (3-6) had seven strikeouts in six innings but suffered his second straight loss.

"Couple big hits there and we missed a couple opportunities," said Twins manager Ron Gardenhire. "But that's a heck of a baseball team over there. They're really fighting for it."

Should the Tigers clinch a division title this weekend it would mark the first time the team has done so at home since securing the AL East back in 1987.

"I've said the whole time I'm not worried about what Kansas City does, and I'm focused only on what we do, but this is the first time this season, I actually want Kansas City to lose," Scherzer said. "That way we can come to the park (Friday) and win, and clinch it."

Rick Porcello will get the first crack at it for the Tigers, as he tries for his first win in five decisions. Porcello fell in Kansas City on Sunday, as he was hit hard for four runs and nine hits in just 3 1/3 innings to drop to 15-12 on the year with a 3.31 ERA.

Porcello is 0-4 with a 4.88 ERA in his last five starts. Still, he has posted career bests this season in wins, ERA, innings pitched (201) and WHIP (1.21).

"I know what I'm capable of doing, so I'm disappointed," said Porcello..

Minnesota will counter with righty Anthony Swarzak, who is 3-2 with a 4.52 ERA. Swarzak lost to Cleveland on Sunday, as he allowed five runs (3 earned) and eight hits in 4 1/3 innings.

He is 2-2 in 20 games (4 starts) versus the Tigers with a 5.83 ERA.

Minnesota has split 16 matchups with the Tigers this season.