Not only is Detroit red hot, but they're red hot at the perfect time for it, late August rolling into September. Brad Penny gave up 4 runs in the top of the first inning to Minnesota but the suddenly potent Tiger offense came roaring back with 3 in the second and 3 in the fourth. They pulled away for an 8-4 win, their 7th in a row and 17th in the last 21 games.
Alex Avila hit a 3-run home run, his 18th of the season. He was 2-3 on the night. Ramon Santiago had a 2-run shot, his 5th of the year. Delmon Young hit his 5th homer as a Tiger, again victimizing his former teammates. Wilson Betemit had an RBI triple, and Brandon Inge added a sac fly.
Brad Penny settled down after the first, allowing only 2 more hits. He went 5 innings and improved his record to 10-10 on the season. He's the fourth Tiger starter into double figure wins.
The bullpen locked it down again. Jose Valverde closed out the 9th but it was a non-save opportunity.
Detroit magic number to clinch the Central is now 10. If they go 10-8 in their final 18 they win it no matter what. Given that neither Chicago or Cleveland has been playing well of late that's not likely to be necessary. Chicago and Cleveland are playing each other this weekend so if Detroit can sweep that would shave at least 3 games off right there.
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