Clan-Members » to come up against future manager Pep Guardiola

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- With the All-Star Game fast approaching next week, its natural for teams to evaluate their progress at the unofficial halfway point of the season. That Detroit won its third straight against host Tampa Bay on Saturday marked what the Tigers hoped to be a turning point in a thus-far mediocre season.Detroit has pounded out 23 runs on so far this series, which concludes on Sunday. Second baseman Ian Kinsler made note of the good feeling the team shares lately, but added the pitching staff has just as much to do with the teams success as its bats.Our bullpen is shaping up nicely, our rotation is shaping up, too, Kinsler said. (Francisco Rodriguez) has done an unbelievable job. Justin Wilson and Shane Greene have done an unbelievable job, and then we obviously have guys who can be steady down there in Alex Wilson and Kyle Ryan, guys that can provide you innings.As long as we can stay healthy, like we have been saying since spring training, we should be OK.Verlander took home honors Saturday after collecting eight strikeouts in seven innings. On Sunday, Mike Pelfrey will get the ball as the Tigers attempt to secure a road series sweep versus Tampa Bay.Pelfrey won his last start, against Miami, despite allowing 12 hits over 5 1/3 innings. He seeks his first win since June 4, but is 0-5 on the road this season with a 4.19 ERA.Saturday marked the exact midpoint in the Tigers season. Detroit has posted a 43-38 record so far, a number thats encouraging considering the team endured 11 losses in 12 games to kick off May.But manager Brad Ausmus would still like improvement in the second half.Overall, the first half hasnt been bad, but wed like it to be better, he said. Pitching is the key in baseball, period.Saturdays loss for the Rays marked the 15th in their last 17 games as Tampa Bay still seeks to round the corner before its too late.Perhaps one of the Rays biggest problems so far is a rash of untimely injuries that have decimated their roster, especially in the outfield. Entering Sundays series finale with Detroit, Tampa Bay has 28 roster moves in 32 days. Nine players have been put on the DL in the past 50 days including four outfielders -- Kevin Kiermaier, Mikie Mahtook, Brandon Guyer and Steven Souza Jr.With all of the walking wounded and a sometimes cobbled-together roster, its no wonder the Rays are still just short of jelling as a team.Any mistake or something that works against us seems to turn into a run against us right now, Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash said. I think the best way we overcome that is come out and do what we did against Boston and kind of create the runs ourselves. Gives the guys some breathing room.The Rays (33-47) reach the midpoint of their season on Sunday.Austin Meadows Rays Jersey . Rinne played two periods in his first game since left hip surgery in early May. Gabriel Bourque scored 3:07 into the second period and Austin Watson tallied 5:15 later for Nashville. 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Using his superior athleticism, St-Pierre cruised to a five round, unanimous decision victory setting up a much-anticipated title defence against number one contender Johny Hendricks.Manchester City managed to come away from the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid with a clean sheet and Paul Dickov thinks they are in a strong position ahead of the return match in Madrid.Dickov has been impressed with the way City have transformed their performances in Europe after failing to get past the round of 16 in their last four attempts.I thought it was a really good result for City last night, Dickov told Sky Sports News HQ. City have been guilty in previous seasons of being a little bit naive in Europe, maybe going a bit too gung-ho. Against Real Madrid last night it was imperative they kept a clean sheet and going over to the Bernabeu next week I really do fancy City to score with the players theyve got in their team.Real Madrid were unlucky not to score but City and England goalkeeper Joe Hart was in fine form - keeping Pepe out from just six yards from what looked like a certain goalscoring opportunity.Hes been outstanding, he made two world-class saves last night and I have said before I regard Joe as one of the three or four best keepers in the world, Dickov said. Bale and Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart shake hands at the final whistle The ex-City forward is confident his old side can progress and has tipped them to come up against future manager Pep Guardiola and Bayern Munich in the final, saying its written in the stars.ddddddddddddIf you look at Citys results in Europe this season, the five away games theyve had I think theyve scored 10 goals so that just shows you the way the way they set up away from home, hitting teams on the counter attack - it really suits how they play, Dickov added.If City can be nice and solid, the likes of Yaya Toure and Kevin De Bruyne, whos been in great form, and obviously Sergio Aguero are a real threat. The one thing I can see City doing is scoring and I really fancy them and I think its written in the stars for a Bayern Munich and Manchester City final.Manuel Pellegrini will be aware his side must keep an eye on their league form as they look to secure their place in the top four this Sunday when they play an in-form Southampton, live on Sky Sports 1.Also See:Hart: City can do itKompany: Pressure on RealCity and Real share stalemateMissed chance for City? ' ' '