Game 158: Rays (96-62) at Tigers (71-86)

Scott Kazmir (12-7, 3.36) vs. Armando Galarraga (12-6, 3.58)

If sunlight is the best disinfectant, playing a matinee might be the best chance the Detroit Tigers have to burn away the stink they've been giving off for the past four weeks.

One team will likely clinch a division title this weekend at Comerica Park.  Unfortunately for the hopes and dreams of Tiger Town, that team will be the Tampa Bay Rays.  With a win today, the Rays will win the AL East, completing a turnaround reminiscent of the Tigers' resurgence in 2006, and perhaps reminding the fans in attendance today of just how far their team has fallen.

Armando Galarraga makes his final start of the season for Detroit, capping off a season which provided one of the few highlights for the Tigers.  He pitched well against the Rays in early August, holding them to one run on four hits, though had to take a no-decision.  Scott Kazmir was the winning pitcher for the Rays when they clinched a playoff spot last Saturday.  If he pitched his team to a division title today, that would be quite a week for him.  

And thus begins the final homestand of this failed 2008 season.  Four games mercifully remain (though with only a 1/2 game currently separating the White Sox and Twins at the top of the AL Central, it sure looks like the Tigers will have to play that make-up game in Chicago on Monday), four more chances for the home team to show a semblance of fan appreciation.

Here's an idea: Win a couple of games.  Or at least show some competitiveness, rather than just take a beating.

DRaysBay has your SB Nation opposing view for this four-game finale.