Justin Verlander did his job, and then the Tigers bullpen almost gave it away.
Verlander pitched seven-plus innings, striking out eight, walking two and giving up just four hits.
It was a tough eighth inning for Tigers pitching, as Verlander was taken out of the game and Joaquin Benoit allowed a grand slam to Ryan Doumit.
Luckily, the Tigers were able to get out of the inning and hold on thanks to a big eighth inning of their own that preceeded the bullpen’s meltdown.
The biggest hit of the day came off the bat of Miguel Cabrera, who hit a three-run home run in the eighth inning to take the Tigers lead from 2-0 to 5-0.
Cabrera is now tied with Josh Hamilton for the American League lead in home runs (43). He continues to lead the league in average and RBIs as he chases the triple crown, something that hasn’t been done since 1967.
Andy Dirks homered later in the eighth inning to add another run.
Prince Fielder homered in the second inning for the Tigers first run of the day.
Jhonny Peralta then doubled to bring Dirks home all the way from first base.
The White Sox, who are chasing the Tigers for the American League Central Division crown, currently trail the Tampa Bay Rays in the ninth inning of their game in Chicago.
The Tigers currently lead the division by 1 1/2 games.
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