Recap: Detroit vs. Chicago WSox

By Sports Network

Detroit, MI (Sports Network) - The Tigers lived to play another day, as Justin Verlander's solid outing and Ryan Rayburn's two home runs and three RBI gave Detroit a must-win 5-3 decision over the White Sox to keep their playoff hopes afloat.

The Tigers had lost three straight, including the first two of this three-game set, to fall into a tie with Minnesota for the American League Central lead despite having a magic number of two following Wednesday's action.

If the Twins beat Kansas City on Sunday, they will host the Tigers (86-76) for a one-game playoff at the Metrodome on Tuesday to determine who will face the AL East-champion Yankees in the divisional round of the playoffs.

Should the Royals win, Detroit will capture its first division crown since winning the AL East in 1987.

Magglio Ordonez went 4-for-4 with a solo homer for the Tigers, who for the time being avoided becoming the first team in major league history to lead a division or league by three games with four games to play and not win.

Verlander (19-9) gave up three runs on six hits and a pair of walks in 7 2/3 innings. The right-hander set a career-high in wins -- tying the MLB lead this season -- and with five strikeouts finished with 269 for the year, also a league-high.

John Danks (13-11) was touched for four runs on seven hits in a five-inning start for Chicago (79-83), which still won five of seven to end its disappointing campaign. Brent Lillibridge had a two-run single in the loss.