Detroit, MI (Sports Network) - Max Scherzer struck out nine batters over eight shutout innings to win his fifth straight start, and Miguel Cabrera knocked in two runs to help the Detroit Tigers to a 5-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox.
Delmon Young belted a solo homer for the Tigers, who have a chance to pull even with the White Sox in the AL Central after this weekend. They are within a game of the lead and can complete a three-game sweep Sunday night.
The series finale has a marquee pitching matchup of Chris Sale (15-5) for the White Sox and Justin Verlander (12-7) for the Tigers.
Scherzer (15-6), who gave up four hits, has an ERA of 1.03 during his last five starts. He leads the majors in strikeouts with 204, just ahead of Verlander (198).
Francisco Liriano (5-11) hadn't lost since July 23, but the lefty suffered his first defeat in a White Sox uniform. Liriano gave up four hits and three runs with seven walks over four-plus innings.
The White Sox, losers in five of their last six games, got a pair of hits from DeWayne Wise. They're 1-7 in eight games at Comerica Park this season and have lost 11 of their last 12 at Detroit.
The Sports Network