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Minnesota Twins (45-39) @ Detroit Tigers (46-37)

Date: Friday July 9th, 2010

Time: 7:05 pm EST

Preview: The Minnesota Twins, who have dropped to third in the American League Central will head to Detroit to take on the Tigers, who have garnered the top spot. Minnesota took a 6-5 loss at the Rogers Centre in Toronto on Wednesday, but will look to bounce back on Thursday. The Twins are led by Justin Morneau and his .345 batting average, along with 18 homeruns and 53 runs scored. The Twins may be without Morneau for the immediate future, as he had to leave the game on Thursday with an injury. Minnesota has dropped to third place in the division, but are just 1.5 games back of the Tigers, with Chicago sandwiched between. The Twins will send Francisco Liriano to the mound in hopes to move his season record to 7-6. The left-hander has a 3.32 earned run average, but has lost his last three decisions.

The Tigers have won three straight games, including a 4-2 win over Baltimore on Wednesday night. They will take Thursday off, before starting this home series with Minnesota. Detroit ranks third in the major leagues with a .276 batting average; all led by Miguel Cabrera and his .347 batting average, along with 21 homeruns and 73 runs batted in. The Tigers will send their staff ace to the mound in Justin Verlander. The 27 year old from Old Dominion is 10-5 with a 3.85 earned run average. Verlander has won his last two starts in Atlanta and over Seattle, pitching 7 innings in both.

Our prediction for this one: Verlander continues to pitch well, and wins # 11. Tigers beat Minnesota 5-4.

Bet on this match: For those of you who enjoy baseball betting we can recommend the online sportsbook BetUS.com as they are offering odds for all of the MLB games all season long.