The Detroit Tigers three consecutive wins against the Chicago White Sox had a recurring theme other than the quality starts by pitchers Justin Verlander, Jeremy Bonderman and Rick Porcello.

And that was the timely hitting of shortstop Jhonny Peralta.

Tigers manager Jim Leyland said Peraltas run-scoring single in the third inning of Thursdays 6-3 win against the White Sox was the “biggest hit” of the game.

Leyland said the same thing about Peraltas two-run double in the third inning Tuesday night.

“I think hes a happy player,” Leyland said, “and happy players normally are good players.”

That comment was relayed to Peralta, who smiled, nodded and said, “Thats true.”

Peralta, acquired July 28 from the Cleveland Indians, is on a 20-game tear.

He is batting .360 with three home runs and 19 RBIs since Aug.

19.

Thought to be a rental player for a playoff push that never came, Peralta is performing his way into strong consideration as a starter in 2011.

Detroit must pick up his $7.25 million option for next year or buy out the contract for $250,000, and hes beginning to look like a good investment.

There arent many viable free-agent shortstops coming onto the market (Miguel Tejada?) unless clubs fail to pick up options on other players (Nick Punto?).

And why mess with a player already having success for you?

“I want to come back, and I know I can do a good job here,” Peralta said.

“They give me a lot of confidence here.”

At the root of his confidence is Tigers hitting coach Lloyd McClendon, who has spent plenty of time working with Peralta.

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