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Verlander, Tigers attempt to continue turnaround

Jun 22, 2008 - 3:03 PM Detroit (35-39) at San Diego (32-44) 4:05 pm ET

SAN DIEGO (Ticker) -- With their early-season struggles behind them, the Detroit Tigers are trying to make a move in the American League Central Division. Perhaps no player symbolizes the Tigers' up and down season more than Justin Verlander.

He attempts to keep his unblemished record against the National League intact on Sunday, when the Tigers look to take the rubber contest of a three-game interleague series the San Diego Padres.

Expected to be a title contender this season, Detroit got off to a disastrous start, falling as much as 12 games under .500 (24-36). However, with wins in 11 of their last 14 games, the Tigers appear to be climbing back into contention. They have pulled within six games of the first-place Chicago White in the AL Central.

Verlander (3-9, 4.55 ERA) surrendered at least four earned runs in seven of his first eight starts but has been a different pitcher since, allowing three earned runs or less in six of his last seven outings.

He did not get a decision in Monday's 8-6 loss to the San Francisco Giants despite yielding three runs - two earned - and five hits in six innings. It was Verlander's first non-winning start against a National League opponent after seven straight wins.

San Diego counters with Randy Wolf (5-5, 4.16), who has been difficult to beat at Petco Park, going 4-1 with a 2.45 ERA in seven outings at home. The lefthander was not sharp in his last outing, however, surrendering seven runs - five earned - over four frames in Tuesday's 8-0 loss to the New York Yankees.