Free Live Odds - Scores and Odds - Sports News - Sports Information - Live Scores - Sports Statistics - Sports Articles - Sports Standings - Live Scoreboard - Live Odds - Sporting Events - Live Lines

(Sports Network) - Justin Verlander will attempt to end a career's worth of frustration against the Chicago White Sox, as the Detroit Tigers ace takes the Comerica Park mound in tonight's middle matchup of a three-game series between the American League Central foes.

Verlander has amassed a 37-26 overall record since breaking into the big leagues in 2005, but the hard-throwing righty has won just once in 10 lifetime starts against the White Sox. He is 1-6 with a 6.14 ERA over those outings with Chicago and surrendered a whopping 14 home runs in 58 2/3 innings of work.

The 2006 AL Rookie of the Year's struggles against the White Sox continued in a pair of starts back in April. Verlander was rocked for nine runs (4 earned) in 5 2/3 innings during a 13-2 loss at Comerica Park on April 6, then yielded six runs over 7 2/3 frames in another defeat to Chicago six days later.

Verlander also brings an unwanted 2-9 record on the season into tonight's tilt, although he pitched well in a hard-luck loss to Cleveland on Friday. The 25-year-old held the Indians to three runs and five hits over seven frames, while striking out a season-best eight batters.

The Tigers managed to halt Chicago's seven-game win streak with a 6-4 decision in Tuesday's series opener. Miguel Cabrera went 3-for-4 with two RBI to pace a 14-hit attack for Detroit.

Detroit roughed up White Sox starter Jose Contreras (6-4) for six runs and 13 hits over the veteran righty's six-inning stint. Contreras had not lost in six straight starts coming into last night's clash, having recorded four wins and a pair of no-decisions over that span.

Placido Polanco also had three hits and scored twice to help the Tigers post their third win in four games. Ivan Rodriguez and Brent Clevlen each had two hits, with Clevlen adding an RBI.

Detroit also received a solid start from Nate Robertson (4-6), as the left- hander gave up three runs and eight hits over 6 1/3 innings to notch the win. Todd Jones earned his 11th save with a scoreless ninth.

Jim Thome went 3-for-4 with a solo home run for Chicago, while both Alexei Ramirez and A.J. Pierzynski collected two hits and an RBI.

The White Sox were coming off a perfect seven-game homestand but have now lost four straight road tests. Despite Tuesday's setback, Chicago still holds a comfortable 6 1/2-game lead over second-place Minnesota in the AL Central standings.

Javier Vazquez gets the starting assignment for the White Sox tonight and will be seeking a second consecutive winning outing. The right-hander threw a mediocre 5 1/3 innings against Minnesota on Friday but received plenty of offensive support in a 10-6 Chicago triumph.

Vazquez allowed four runs and nine hits -- including a pair of homers -- in Friday's game. He was much sharper in his previous start, a 2-0 loss at Tampa Bay on May 31 in which the Puerto Rico native tossed seven innings of two-run ball and struck out a season-best 10 batters.

The 31-year-old is 5-4 with a 4.18 ERA in nine career starts against Detroit and delivered seven shutout innings to beat the Tigers in Chicago on April 13.

The White Sox had won five of six encounters with the Tigers this season prior to Tuesday's loss and swept a three-game series at Comerica Park from April 4-6. Since 2005, Chicago has compiled an impressive 22-10 record in Detroit.

Chicago is also an outstanding 21-9 against AL Central teams so far in 2008.