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Scherzer fans nine over seven frames in win

Right-hander Max Scherzer isn't hiding his feelings when it comes to the importance of the Tigers' three-game set against the rival White Sox this weekend in Detroit.

"This series is very big. They know it, we know it, the world knows it. These are must-win series for us. We can't bleed away too many more games," Scherzer said. "Obviously, it's not the end of the world, but these games are very important. I just think this is our opportunity to come out there and play the baseball we know we're capable of. I think if we're able to do that against this team, we'll be able to win this series."

He'll take the hill on Saturday with Chicago holding a two-game cushion over Detroit in the American League Central thanks to a 7-4 Tigers win on Friday night.

"I'm going to be fired up. This is what you play the game for. You have a series like this where the games mean as much as they do right now, I like having the ball in this situation," Scherzer said. "For me, my job is to go out there and give the team a chance to win. I want to pitch deep into the game and hopefully we come out with the lead and turn it over to [closer Jose] Valverde. That's my recipe for success."

Scherzer has been on a roll as of late, winning his last four games and combining to surrender four runs in 27 innings with 35 strikeouts. On Sunday against the Angels, he allowed just one run on four hits in seven innings of work.

Those are some tough numbers to hear if you are the White Sox, who will also deal with Justin Verlander on Sunday night as they try and increase their lead.

"You are conscious that this is definitely the second-place team that is right behind us," White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko said. "They have been right on us all year. They have a good team. We know what they have going over there for them, which is good. But there's no way around the fact that you can't play tomorrow's game until you get through today."

Francisco Liriano will go for his third win in his last four starts. Since being traded to Chicago, Liriano is 2-0 with a 4.26 ERA, allowing two runs or fewer five times.

Against the Orioles on Monday, the left-hander tossed five innings, allowing two runs on six hits for a no-decision. He also struck out three and walked four.

He dealt with leg cramps throughout the start, but said he felt fine the next day and is ready to make Saturday's start.

White Sox: Callups expected to be minimal
While reserve catcher Tyler Flowers will return from the paternity list on Saturday following the birth of his daughter and infielder Orlando Hudson is expected to join him once rosters expand on Saturday, White Sox manager Robin Ventura said any other additions should be minimal.

The team is still looking at certain possibilities, but with Triple-A Charlotte qualifying for the International League playoffs, the callups could be staggered.

"We are the first concern, but you don't want to strip them down," Ventura said. "We'll have a few guys tomorrow. And then after their playoffs are over, we'll have more guys.

"There's going to be a lot of the same guys who were up early in the year. It's not going to be one of those where you're going to get a lot of guys who you guys haven't seen. It's close to the same guys."

Tigers: Garcia called up for stretch run
Detroit recalled five-tool outfield prospect Avisail Garcia from Double-A Erie on Friday afternoon, making him eligible for postseason rosters.

Garcia is expected to start in right field and bat seventh in the order against Liriano on Saturday.

Garcia, who is ranked No. 6 among the Top 20 Tigers prospects, will start in right field against left-handed hitters and serve as a defensive replacement in other games. However, manager Jim Leyland didn't rule out starting Garcia more than just in righty-lefty situations if the rookie does well at the plate.

"We're going to try him. Why not?" Leyland said. "He might come up and not do anything. He might come up and give us a jolt. Who knows how it's going to work out, but I'm going to put him in there, see what he does."

Worth noting
• White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez is 7-for-11 with four RBIs in his last three games and is hitting .417 (15-for-36) with 10 RBIs in his last 11.

• Chicago has lost seven of its last eight road games and 15 of 23 after a 26-18 start on the road.

• The Tigers have won 23 of their last 29 games at Comerica Park, dating back to July 4.

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