Verlander Wins 20th; Danks Keep White Sox in Hunt; Gallardo, Brewers Steaming Toward Playoffs

Players of the Day for Saturday, August 27, 2011

Verlander: 20-5

American League

Justin Verlander became the first pitcher in the majors to reach 20 wins, as the Tigers fought to a 6-4 win over the pesky Minnesota Twins.

Danks: 3-hitter

Not pitching particularly well, Verlander allowed eight hits, three walks and four runs over six full innings, fanning six. His teammates picked him up with two runs in the 7th to snap a 4-4 tie and hold on for the win. Verlander is 20-5; the win kept Detroit 6 1/2 in front of Cleveland and 7 better than Chicago in the AL Central. Verlander is the quickest pitcher to 20 wins since 2002.

The White Sox got the pitching performance of the day from John Danks, who tossed his second complete game and first shutout of the season, a three-hit, 3-0, gem over Seattle, striking out 10 to match his career high.

Danks, who started the season 0-8, has won six of his last seven decisions.

Gallardo: 15-8

National League

Their magic number to capture the NL Central division at 19, the Milwaukee Brewers are cruising into September and on into the playoffs.

Yovani Gallardo improved to 15-8, striking out 10 over seven innings in which he allowed six hits. two walks and no earned runs, leading the Brewers to a 6-4 win over the Cubs.

The Brewers have the best home record in the majors, an astonishing 49-16 and lead the second place Cardinals by 10 1/2 games, the largest lead in any major league division.