Tigers, Verlander Beat Twins 7-1

The Twins lost 7-1 at Detroit for the Tigers and Justin Verlander Tuesday night.  Verlander allowed 7 hits and 1 earned run allowed in 7 2/3 innings with 8 strikeouts for the Tigers.  Nick Blackburn allowed 11 hits and 5 earned runs in 4 2/3 innings for the Twins to take the loss and drop to 7-10.  Joe Mauer and Ben Revere each had 2 hits and Justin Morneau singled in the lone Twins run.

Minnesota falls to 53-68 and is 11 1/2 games back of Detroit for first place in the American League Central.  The Twins and Tigers will play the final game of the 3-game series at Detroit tonight at 6:05, pregame on WJON at 5:35.

Righthander Carl Pavano (6-9) gets the start on the mound for the Twins and righthander Brad Penny (8-9) toes the rubber for the Tigers.