By Dave Hart
LocalSportsJournal.com
Tigers 6, Twins 3– Justin Verlander struck out his 2000th career batter as the Tigers swept the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday afternoon.
The Tigers jumped out to a 5-0 lead after the sixth inning, led 6-1 after seven before the Twins scored the final two runs of the contest.
Detroit was paced by Ian Kinsler, who hit a home run in his fourth consecutive game and knocked in two RBIs while J.D. Martinez tripled and had an RBI.
Tigers’ starting pitcher Justin Verlander picked up the win, allowing three runs on six hits while striking out 10 batters in 7 1/3 innings.
Detroit’s closer Francisco Rodriguez picked up his 11th save of the season, pitching a perfect ninth frame.
The Tigers are now 19-21 on the season, good for fourth place in the American League Central Division behind the Chicago White Sox.
Detroit will open a three-game weekend series against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night.
Record: 19-21
4th Place in AL Central Division (5.5 games behind Chicago)
2.5 games behind Texas for last playoff spot
Magic # to clinch a playoff spot: 127
Magic # to clinch an AL Central Division title: 129
Next Game: 05/20/2016 vs Tampa Bay Rays 7:10 p.m. @ Comerica Park
Hitting stats: Ian Kinsler HR (10) 2 RBI (24), J.D. Martinez 3B (1) RBI (20), Miguel Cabrera RBI (21), Justin Upton RBI (10), Steven Moya RBI (2), Nick Castellanos 2B (9), Cameron Maybin SB (3).
Pitching stats: Justin Verlander W (3-4) 7.1 IP 6 H 3 R 3 ER 3 BB 10 K, Francisco Rodriguez SV (11) 1 IP 0 H 0 R 0 ER 0 BB 0 K.
