Tigers Extend Lead Behind Rogers, 4-0

Kenny Rogers is proving his 41-year-old arm can win games late in the summer.

Rogers shut down the slumping Chicago White Sox, giving the Detroit Tigers their biggest lead in the American League Central in almost two weeks and guaranteeing their first .500 season in more than a decade.

He dominated for seven innings and was backed by Marcus Thames’ solo homer and run-scoring triple in Detroit’s 4-0 win over the White Sox on Tuesday night, its second consecutive victory in a pivotal four-game series against the World Series champions.

Rogers (13-6) gave up four hits and walked only one over seven innings, his third consecutive strong outing.

“I know I’ve won games in September before, or August, so it’s not a big deal,” he said. “I just want to start winning some games in October.”

The Tigers (81-45) moved one step closer to giving Rogers, who is winless in five postseason starts, that chance. Chicago has lost six of eight, falling 7 1/2 games behind Detroit.