By Mike Brandyberry

When it rains, it pours. In the case of the Cleveland Indians, when it rains, they get Justin Verlander.

Last night Verlander was slated to match up with the Chicago White Sox Chris Sale in a marquee battle between the two teams vying for the American League Central Division crown. Detroit trails the White Sox by just one game in standings. However, the game was rained out in Chicago last night and the Tigers head to Cleveland for a three game series with Verlander (13-8, 2.91 ERA) now going in the first game, with an extra day’s rest.

Meanwhile, the Indians ventured home after stealing a 5-4 win away from the Texas Rangers last night in Arlington. The Tribe rallied in the ninth inning against Texas closer Joe Nathan for the win.

Ironically, the Indians are 2-0 against Verlander this season despite their struggles. Their last victory against him, a come-from-behind win on July 26, seems to have become a marking point of when the futility began. After the win, the Tribe managed to lose the next 11 games in a row, falling one short of the franchise record.

He struggled in his last outing, allowing six runs in six innings against the Los Angeles Angels. But with the season winding down and the games becoming more important, Verlander always seems to rise to the occasion. Expect his best against the Tribe.

The Indians counter with Corey Kluber (1-3, 5.26 ERA). He’ll be entrusted with the task of helping the Tribe win back-to-back games for only the second time in a month. Kluber will have to pitch better than his last outing when he allowed four runs in three and two-third innings. He has struggled since his promotion to Cleveland to find any consistency.

Game action begins at 7:05 pm from Progressive Field. The Tigers may have brought the rain with them from Chicago and a delay could be imminent. When the game does begin, it can be seen on SportsTime Ohio and heard on the Indians Radio Network.

Cleveland Indians Starting Lineup
1. Shin-Soo Choo, RF
2. Jason Kipnis, 2B
3. Carlos Santana, C
4. Russ Canzler, LF
5. Casey Kotchman, 1B
6. Lonnie Chisenhall, 3B
7. Matt LaPorta, DH
8. Ezequiel Carrera, LF
9. Jason Donald, SS

Detroit Tigers Starting Lineup
1. Austin Jackson, CF
2. Andy Dirks, LF
3. Miguel Cabrera, 3B
4. Prince Fielder, 1B
5. Delmon Young, DH
6. Brennan Boesch, RF
7. Jhonny Peralta, SS
8. Alex Avila, C
9. Omar Infante, 2B

Photo: AP Photo/Chris Carlson