Chicago White Sox (78-82) at Detroit Tigers (85-75), 7:05 p.m.

Sports Network | October 3, 2009

(Sports Network) - The Detroit Tigers sure hope history isn't repeating itself. This evening they will try once again to move one step closer to an American League Central title when they play the middle test of their three- game series against the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park.

It was back in 2006 when the Tigers needed just one win over the final five games to close out their first division title since winning the AL East in 1987. Things, though, did not go as planned and they lost all five games and had to settle for a wild card spot.

With a magic number of two to clinch the title, the Tigers saw their lead dwindled down to one game on Friday, as Jake Peavy baffled them over eight innings in a 8-0 White Sox rout.

Peavy (3-0) was masterful, allowing just two hits and two walks while fanning five for Chicago, which has won four of its last five with Detroit.

"It's fun playing against guys in an atmosphere where a lot matters. It's fun. We hope the roles are reversed in 2010," Peavy said.

The Twins beat the Royals, 10-7, on Friday to pull within one game of the Tigers. Detroit held a seven-game lead on September 6, but has gone 10-14 since.

"I'm not concerned," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. "We're looking forward to [Saturday's] game now. This one is in the books, we can't do anything about it."

Scott Podsednik went 3-for-4 with a solo homer, Carlos Quentin homered and knocked in two runs, while Mark Kotsay and Jermaine Dye each drove in two for the Sox, who have won four of five.

Edwin Jackson (13-9) was roughed up for eight runs on seven hits and three walks in five-plus innings for the Tigers, who did not register an extra-base hit in the critical setback.

Getting the call for the Tigers tonight will be righty Alfredo Figaro, who is 2-1 with a 5.74 earned run average. However, he hasn't started at any level since he took the loss June 27 at Houston, a week after he won his big league debut with five effective innings and seven strikeouts against the Brewers.

Figaro, though, threw 2 2/3 scoreless innings of relief to beat the White Sox last Saturday.

Chicago, meanwhile, will rely on the right arm of veteran Freddy Garcia, who has lost his last two starts. Garcia was roughed up by the Tigers on Saturday, as he surrendered seven runs and 10 hits in 6 1/3 frames, dropping him to 2-4 to go along with a 4.78 ERA.

Despite Saturday's setback, though, Garcia has thrived in his career versus the Tigers, posting a 15-6 mark with a 3.86 ERA in 25 starts.

Chicago has split its 16 meetings with the Tigers this season.