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Verlander hopes to get Tigers into the win column

Apr 6, 2008 - 1:24 PM Chi White Sox (3-2) at Detroit (0-5) 8:05 pm EDT

DETROIT (Ticker) - The Detroit Tigers will turn to their ace, hoping to get their first win of the season when they host the Chicago White Sox on Sunday.

Detroit, which is off to its worst start since opening up the 2003 campaign with nine straight losses, is the only team in the majors without a win.

Justin Verlander (0-0, 6.00 ERA) hopes to change that when he takes the mound, looking to rebound from his first start of the season.

The 25-year-old righthander allowed four runs in six-plus innings, while striking out six in Detroit's Opening Day loss to Kansas City. Verlander, who did not figure in a decision in three starts against Chicago last season, gave up four hits and one walk against the Royals.

The White Sox have won their last three games and hope their ace can rebound from a poor performance in the season opener.

Mark Buehrle (0-0, 37.80) gave up seven runs and seven hits - two home runs - in Monday's 10-8 loss to Cleveland. The lefthander went 1-1 in three starts with a 4.64 ERA against the Tigers last season.

Chicago won the first game of the series, 8-5, on Friday and scored four sixth-inning runs to rally for a 5-3 victory on Saturday. The win spoiled the debut of Dontrelle Willis, who gave up three runs and one hit with seven walks in five-plus innings for Detroit.