[pete_b]

The White Sox, even though they lost two out of three to the Rangers, didn't lose any ground on the Tigers because Detroit also lost two out of three to the BoSox. Tomorrow the Tigers and the White Sox go head to head. This is probably the most important series the White Sox will have so far this season.

[Lefty Noob]

As I said in another thread, this should be a fascinating series. It'll give us a chance to see how far the Tigers have come. Detroit certainly did not look good against Boston, but this is within their own division. Its early, but its still an important series. Jimmy Leyland's going to have to coach 'em up and get his guys deal with the always dangerous defending World Series champions. Who's the home club in this one?

[MJHMarc]

I agree, this will be one of the most fascinating and most entertaining series all year. It is two of the finest teams going at it head to head. Of course, Jim Thome is injured and that will play a key factor into the match-up. But Jermaine Dye has been especially hot lately and I am sure that he will make a big impact on this series.

I feel that the overall favorite for the first game would be the Tigers. They have been a shock to the fans all season long and I think they would shock the White Sox, too. But that is only the first game. I am not sure how the rest of the series will play out!

[pete_b]

The White Sox are the home team in this one. Their schedule is a rough one... I mean look at this...TOR for three at TOR then three at CLE then three at home vs. TEX and now the TIGERS at home. Wow what a schedule. I didn't even know Thome was injured how long has he been out for? The pitching match up is Garcia of the Sox who is 7-3 with a 4.57 era vs Robertson who has a pretty low 3.42 era. Are they playing this one on ESPN or anything?

[pete_b]

The Tigers looked like they were gonna win this one but a three-run blast from Cintron (his first homer) put the Sox ahead. This was routine for the Sox last year and I was happy to see the highlight reel. Garcia for the Sox pitched his full six innings, but McCarthy got the win and Jenks got his sixteenth save of the year. This heartbreaking loss for the Tigers brings the Sox to within 1 1/2 of first instead of a 3 1/2 game lead. OUCH!

Tonite the Sox put their ace on the mound, Contreras, who still has a dominating 2.53 era and hasn't lost a game in his nine starts and five decisions. He is up against Verlander who is probably the reason why Detroit is in first place this year. This should be a great game. We might be looking at the playoffs right here.

[pete_b]

The Sox again took down the Tigers by an identical score of 4-3. This closes the gap a little more on the lead the Tigers have in the Division. In a battle of the aces, Verlander gave up all four runs in six innings on seven hits. Contreras gave up three but only two were earned, protecting his 2.54 era. Thome, Pidsednik, Dye and Cintron each had an RBI.

Today in this divisional battle, Garland and his 6.04 era takes on the stellar Rogers who in his twelve starts is 7-3 with a 3.54 era. Garland is the weakest of the Sox pitchers and Rogers is the second strongest for the Tigers. Lets see who wants this more.

[MJHMarc]

Many of the MLB fans would have predicted the other way around. I would have thought that Garland would have a better season than the aging, Kenny Rogers. Last year, I remember that Garland was included in the same sentence as "Cy Young". Of course, those words will not be associated together this year.

[Lefty Noob]

Yeah, but then, Marc, who among us would've ever predicted the Tigers would be leading the AL Central in June? Certainly not I.

[pete_b]

Rogers put on a stellar performance last night by throwing 95 pitches in seven innings, giving up only six hits and two runs. He did give up a homer to Konerko but not one walk. Garland pitched seven giving up six runs on nine hits. Polanco and Thames both hit homers off Garland.

The Sox lost 6-2. Since the Sox took two out of three from the Tigers, they shortened the lead by a game. This division is heating up.