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Tigers look to continue winning ways vs. Indians

Apr 16, 2008 - 12:19 PM Detroit (4-10) at Cleveland (5-9) 7:05 pm EDT

CLEVELAND (Ticker) - Most people expected the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Indians to be battling for the American League Central title this season, but the clubs are simply trying to stay out of the cellar at the moment.

The Tigers will be looking for a third straight victory when they visit the Indians on Wednesday.

By far the worst team in the majors through 12 games this season, the Tigers on Tuesday became the last team in baseball to win back-to-back games when they earned a 6-5 win over the Minnesota Twins.

Gary Sheffield clubbed his first homer of the season in the first inning and Miguel Cabrera found the seats for his second blast of the season in the eighth inning to give Detroit the lead.

The Indians are falling in the opposite direction, having lost back-to-back games to the Red Sox after leading, or being tied, after the seventh inning in both games.

The Tigers will send rookie Armando Galarraga to the mound Wednesday. The 26-year-old righthander is being forced into duty due to the injury to Dontrelle Willis.

Cleveland will counter with reigning Cy Young winner C.C. Sabathia (0-2, 11.57 ERA), who has been one of the worst pitchers in the league through three starts this season.

The hefty lefthander allowed nine runs over his first two starts before melting down completely last Friday against Oakland, allowing nine runs and 12 hits in 3 1/3 frames.