Showdown, Game 3: No sweep

Tragic number: 11

Who could have figured this? On paper, Sunday's game was the one pitching matchup of the weekend series that favored the Twins.

And that's the one game the Tigers won. Scott Baker — clearly the ace of Minnesota's staff — continued to struggle against Detroit, while Nate Robertson and the beleaguered Tiger bullpen held the Twins to two runs. It's tough to win with just two runs — ask Justin Verlander — and Baker wasn't sharp enough to get it done.

And so both teams leave the series have accomplished the minimum they needed. The Twins had to win the series — a sweep would have been better, but two-of-three keeps them alive. The Tigers had to win at least one game — seeing their lead dwindle to one game would have been discouraging.

Thirteen games to go for each. The Tigers go on to Cleveland, the Twins to Chicago. And another showdown awaits next week.