Okay, the first game was 7-1, not 5-2, and Thames took an extra day to hit a home run that was not the game winner. Magglio Ordonez hasn't homered yet, either. But the Tigers have won two straight against the world champions, beating their all-star pitchers Jose Contreras and Mark Buherle.
The main question about tonight: Can Zach Miner hold it together for one or two more starts? That's all the Tigers should need out of him, and then he will likely be moved to the bullpen for the return of Mike Maroth (assuming his elbow feels better). Regardless, September is coming, and if the Tigers can pull off the sweep, they are in great shape to rest the entire rotation in the season's last couple of weeks. After the White Sox series in September, the Tigers will have ten games left, and if things go as they have, they will have about a ten game lead, so it will be time to set the rotation for the post season.
Zach Miner continues to take the mound in the biggest game of his career over and over again. This time, it could all but clinch the Central for his squad. He is still quite shaky, and gives up a lot of hits, but so does his counterpart, Freddy Garcia.
Garcia is a verteran, however, and he has pitched in big games before. He has also gotten some pretty good run support in his career. The question will not be if the Tigers can score enough runs to win. The question will be if Zach Miner can shut down the potent Chicago White Sox offense for a third straight day. If Miner can keep it together, and not throw too many pitches, not make a mistake to their 3-6 hitters with runners on, and get through six innings, then the Tigers should win the game. A quality start for Miner should mean a win for the Tigers today, and that will send the White Sox reeling.
