Fate of the Detroit Tigers Is on Justin Verlander's Shoulders

Justin Verlander takes the mound tonight looking to salvage a game for the Detroit Tigers in their three game series against the Cleveland Indians.

Once again, the Tigers squandered an opportunity to make a statement at last night's game in Cleveland.

The Cleveland Indians deserve credit for last night's effort, putting up 10 runs on their AL Central foe. The Detroit Tigers have now lost 13 straight against the Cleveland Indians and their AL Central lead is down to two games. 

If there has been one thing that the Detroit Tigers can rely on this year it has been their ace, Justin Verlander. The All-Star is going for win number 17 tonight in what is arguably one of the most critical games for the Tigers so far this season.

The Tigers will have to avoid the second-half collapse that their fans have become so familiar with. Hopefully Justin Verlander will be up for the task.

The Tigers will face Indians pitcher Fausto Carmona who is 5-11 on the season. Carmona has been a hit or miss pitcher this year. This inconsistency has to be frustrating for Cleveland fans since Carmona is capable of hurling a gem on any given day. The Detroit Tigers can't take Carmona for granted tonight.

Needless to say, tonight's game is a must win for the Tigers. They can't afford to leave Cleveland just one game up on the Indians. Also, keep in mind that the Chicago White Sox are charging of late and are just four games back in the AL Central race.

Justin Verlander is 16-5 on the season and has won four consecutive starts. With the bullpen being depleted the last two nights, Verlander will have to go deep into the night. Luckily for the Tigers, this is something he has done all season, averaging 7.1 innings per outing. 

The fate of the Tigers lies on Verlander's shoulders. Not just tonight, but for the rest of the season.

This Cy Young caliber pitcher knows the pressure in on and he is ready to face the challenge of competing for an AL Central crown.

Verlander has been amazing this year and fans shouldn't expect anything less tonight against the Cleveland Indians.