Tigers 5, Twins 1: The stars shined on Detroit

Stars being stars. That was the best way to describe the performance of the Tigers' performance on Wednesday night. Justin Verlander threw a complete game, allowing just a run on four hits. He was perfect through the first three innings and struck out seven. It was his fifth complete game of the season, and it occured just past the midway point of the year. Verlander had never had more than 4 CG in a season before that.

Meanwhile Miguel Cabrera went 3-for-3 with a pair of home runs and a double. He drove in three runs and scored three of his own.

I know we have a pitching bias around here, and with good reason. The pitcher is on the mound affecting the game more than anyone. And when Verlander is on the mound, you just have to take that to a completely different level. But it would be hard not to declare a split decision on who had the biggest impact on Wednesday. Both came up huge, just as Detroit needed after it dropped the first two games of the series. Verlander's impact is a bit wider ranging, though. Detroit starters could not go deep into either game against the Twins, so Verlander bought all the bullpen arms a day off. That, hopefully for Detroit, will pay off during the final four games before the all-star break.

Finally, have to mention Austin Jackson, who had another good effort at the plate. He went 3-for-3 with a triple, scoring once (though not after the triple) and walking once.

3 ROARS

Duh

3 HISSES

Ryan Raburn - 0-for-the-2-hole this season after an 0-for-4 day with a DP and a near DP.

Delmon Young - had a hit, but typical Delmon at bats.

Rain -- Another game that was delayed by weather, first pitch around 2.5 hours late.

GAME 81 POG

Canceled by managing editor's decision