Tigers have strong week before Yankees, Rangers series
The Detroit Tigers had a strong week going 4-2 overall but still sit 1.5 games behind the Chicago White Sox for the division lead. Currently, the Tigers are tied with the Oakland Athletics (not joking) for the AL Wild Card spots. The week got started off at Fenway Park in Boston.
The Tigers struggled early in the week when they took on the Red Sox. Starter Max Scherzer gave up five earned runs in six innings of pitching while striking out nine. Dustin Pedroia was the story for the Red Sox as he had three RBI’s in Boston’s 7-3 victory.
The next day was one that set the Tiger’s organization and fans off. It was the top of sixth inning; the Tigers trailed 4-1 but had the bases loaded with two outs. The game was delayed because of rain and Tiger fans could only for a hit when the rain stopped. However, the umpires decided to end the game due to the rain and the Red Sox’s got the victory. Well the rain was only supposed to last for another half hour, not to mention the Tigers had the bases loaded. Rumor has it that the Tigers sent a complaint to the commissioner’s office in outrage. Red Sox steal this one, 4-1.
Tigers got back on track the next day with a 7-5 victory before leaving Boston. A five-run fifth inning is what made the difference for the Tigers. Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder hit back-to-back homeruns and also got RBI’s from Austin Jackson and Quinton Berry. Rick Porcello picked up his eighth win of the year.
With a day off Thursday, the Tigers began the weekend series against the struggling Cleveland Indians. The Tigers smashed Cleveland 10-2, led by Prince Fielder’s four RBI’s. Newly acquired pitcher Anibal Sanchez got his first victory as a Tiger, going six innings with just two earned runs.
More of the same the next day as the Tigers took down the Indians, 6-1 this time. Doug Fister pitched his first career complete game as a Tiger. Giving up just four hits, and striking out six. Jhonny Peralta and Omar Infante each had two RBI’s.
The Tigers looked to sweep on Sunday and it may turn out to be the game of the year for these Tigers.
A battle all day found the score at 5-5 in the bottom of the ninth inning. A leadoff triple from Austin Jackson and back-to-back walks of Cabrera and Fielder found the Tigers with the bases loaded and one out. Quinton Berry then grounded into a double play and the Indians got out of the jam. In the top of the 10th, the Indians scored three runs, two off back-to-back homeruns and now found themselves down 8-5.
An Austin Jackson doubled made it 8-6 before Omar Infante hit a two-run single to tie the game at eight. Up next was Miguel Cabrera and all Tiger fans had an idea what was next. A two-run walk off homerun to complete the sweep and send everyone at Comerica Park into a frenzy. Cabrera belted closer Chris Perez’s 3-1 pitch to deep left center to finish the comeback. Cabrera and Infante both finished with three RBI’s on the day.
Looking Ahead
Sunday’s game is the type of signature win the Tigers got last year when they came back from down 8-1 vs. the Chicago White Sox. If these types of wins mean momentum, then this game happened just in time.
The Tigers hope to keep the ball rolling as the New York Yankees head into town. Justin Verlander will lead off game one of the four game series tonight.
Friday the Tigers head to Texas to take on the Rangers. The Rangers and Yankees have the two best records in the American League and the Tigers will need to show that they belong.
Also yesterday the Tigers acquired Jeff Baker from the Chicago Cubs. Baker, a versatile player, can play multiple positions and will help take the role of Ryan Raburn who the Tigers put on the 15 day DL yesterday.
Big week for the Tigers who are hoping to their magic continues.
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