Brennan Boesch scored Danny Worth on a sac fly in the bottom of the 8th inning, giving Detroit an 8-7 victory over Minnesota. Detroit came back from a 3-0 hole with a 6 run 5th inning, but Max Scherzer couldn't hold a 6-3 lead with 2 outs in the 7th.
I think Jim Leyland kept Scherzer in too long in allowing him to face Justin Morneau having thrown 100 pitches. He uncorked a wild pitch with 2 strikes to allow a run to score. Then he gave up a home run to Morneau, his second of the game, to surrender the lead. His line ended up being 7 runs allowed in 6.2 innings pitched. He didn't quite pitch that poorly, striking out 7, but Morneau took him deep twice.
Detroit again came back though. Al Alburqurque earned his 3rd victory for the season with an inning of 2 strikeout work. He's been racking up the decisions lately and is 3-1 on the season. Joaquin Benoit pitched the 9th to earn his 2nd save of the season. He struck out Morneau with 2 on and 1 out in the inning.
Brennan Boesch drove in 2 runs with a groundout and a sac fly. Not ideally what you want to do with runners on third, but at least he put the ball in play and plated the runs. Jhonny Peralta was 2-3 with an RBI double and a sac fly. Victor Martinez was 2-4 with an RBI double. Casper Wells had an RBI double and Austin Jackson drove in a run. Brandon Inge was 2-3 with a walk and Danny Worth was 2-4 in his first start as the revolving second baseman of the year.
The Tigers have upped their record to 28-26 on the season.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Twins-Tigers: In-game observation
Jim Leyland left Max Scherzer in too long. I didn't think facing Justin Morneau nearing 100 pitches was a good idea. He doesn't have that freakish next gear that Justin Verlander. Nobody does. Verlander fired a 100 mph fastball on pitch 130 yesterday.
2 strike wild pitch then a two run homer. Just like that it's 7-6 Twins.
2 strike wild pitch then a two run homer. Just like that it's 7-6 Twins.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Tigers come back to beat the Twins today
Alex Avila delivered a 2-out RBI double in the bottom of the 8th inning, after Jhonny Peralta scratched out an infield hit ahead of him. That propelled Detroit to a 6-5 win.
Jose Valverde came in and pitched a 1-2-3 9th to earn his 13th safe. Three appearances in the last 2 days with 2 saves. He'll need a rest tomorrow I'm sure.
Al Alburquerque earned the win with a scoreless 8th inning of work. He's now 2-1 on the season. Brad Penny went 6, but got in trouble in the 5th, surrendering 4 runs and what had been a 3-1 lead. Victor Martinez tied it at 5 with his 5th home run of the season, a 2-run shot, in the 6th and got Penny off the hook for the loss.
David Purcey made his Tigers debut and pitched a scoreless 7th. Miguel Cabrera hit his 10th home run of the season. Andy Dirks was 2-3 with an RBI double. Brennan Boesch also drove in a run.
Detroit has again eked its way above .500.
Jose Valverde came in and pitched a 1-2-3 9th to earn his 13th safe. Three appearances in the last 2 days with 2 saves. He'll need a rest tomorrow I'm sure.
Al Alburquerque earned the win with a scoreless 8th inning of work. He's now 2-1 on the season. Brad Penny went 6, but got in trouble in the 5th, surrendering 4 runs and what had been a 3-1 lead. Victor Martinez tied it at 5 with his 5th home run of the season, a 2-run shot, in the 6th and got Penny off the hook for the loss.
David Purcey made his Tigers debut and pitched a scoreless 7th. Miguel Cabrera hit his 10th home run of the season. Andy Dirks was 2-3 with an RBI double. Brennan Boesch also drove in a run.
Detroit has again eked its way above .500.
Surprise in Columbus
Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel resigned this morning amid the allegations of improper benefits that have rippled outwards like a stone in a pond after the players were found to have sold mementos or traded them for free tattoos late last year. That matter is still not closed and seems to be broadening in scope, beyond just a couple players committing an isolated violation outside of the knowledge of the coaching staff.
Some people thought that Tressel might be out after this season as that investigation progressed. Urban Meyer is an Ohio native with an outstanding resume and without a coaching job. He's also shown an inability in the past to stay retired. So the whispers started. Instead Tressel isn't even going to make it through the 5 game suspension.
He was a good coach. I can't deny. I have to admit too that he owned Michigan. 9-1 in his 10 seasons. He famously came in promising he was going to turn around Ohio State's previously dreadful record against Michigan (a big reason why the job opened up for him) and dominate them. He did just then. But I wonder how much he did turn a blind eye too as he built them into a regular national championship contender.
I also wonder how Pryor and the others who accepted the 5 game suspension as part of their promise to come back for this season in exchange for playing in the Sugar Bowl in January feel now. They came back for their coach. Now their coach is gone and they'll be out for the first 5 games. It is possible though that the 7-8 games they do still play this coming season are 7-8 more than they'd have played if they'd have gone to the NFL Draft, if the NFL owners and players' union don't get that lockout resolved.
As a result of this, when Michigan and Ohio State lock horns this season it will be with 2 first year coaches. I wonder when the last time that happened, if at all? Lots of legendary and longtime coaches on either side. Bo. Woody Hayes. Lloyd Carr. Tressel.
It will definitely be a whole new phase in THE rivalry in college football. Michigan can definitely use a clean slate.
Some people thought that Tressel might be out after this season as that investigation progressed. Urban Meyer is an Ohio native with an outstanding resume and without a coaching job. He's also shown an inability in the past to stay retired. So the whispers started. Instead Tressel isn't even going to make it through the 5 game suspension.
He was a good coach. I can't deny. I have to admit too that he owned Michigan. 9-1 in his 10 seasons. He famously came in promising he was going to turn around Ohio State's previously dreadful record against Michigan (a big reason why the job opened up for him) and dominate them. He did just then. But I wonder how much he did turn a blind eye too as he built them into a regular national championship contender.
I also wonder how Pryor and the others who accepted the 5 game suspension as part of their promise to come back for this season in exchange for playing in the Sugar Bowl in January feel now. They came back for their coach. Now their coach is gone and they'll be out for the first 5 games. It is possible though that the 7-8 games they do still play this coming season are 7-8 more than they'd have played if they'd have gone to the NFL Draft, if the NFL owners and players' union don't get that lockout resolved.
As a result of this, when Michigan and Ohio State lock horns this season it will be with 2 first year coaches. I wonder when the last time that happened, if at all? Lots of legendary and longtime coaches on either side. Bo. Woody Hayes. Lloyd Carr. Tressel.
It will definitely be a whole new phase in THE rivalry in college football. Michigan can definitely use a clean slate.
Tigers earned a doubleheader split with Boston yesterday
Rain washed away Saturday's game. But unlike the last couple rainouts over the last couple weeks, Detroit could make up this game immediately.
Andy Oliver made his season debut in the first game of the day-night doubleheader. He'd been brought up specifically to pitch the Saturday game, with Phil Coke on the DL with his ankle injury. Oliver was in trouble each of the first 3 innings but managed to only be down 3-0. He allowed a double, hit a batter, walked a batter, and allowed 4(!) stolen bases, all without a throw from Alex Avila, in the first but miraculously gave up only 1 run.
Oliver settled down to go 6 innings, allowing the three runs on 5 hits. Andy Dirks hit his 2nd homer of the season and Brennan Boesch his 4th. Jhonny Peralta tied the game with a single.
But David Ortiz hit a pinch hit home run off of Jose Valverde in the top of the 9th to win it for the Red Sox 4-3. Valverde fell to 2-2 on the season. It was Ortiz's 1st pinch hit home run since 2003. As it turns out Valverde had faced Ortiz only once before, and gave up a grand slam last season. Off the top of my head I think that was the terrible game where Valverde needed around 50 or so pitches to get out of the 9th inning, and almost blew a huge lead before barely holding on. He was never the same for the rest of the season, probably because of that extreme pitch count.
In the nightcap Justin Verlander returned to his dominant form. He pitched 7.23 shutout innings. He threw a career high 132 pitches. That was the highest pitch count for a Tigers starter since 1996. But Verlander's velocity kept increasing as the game got later, so he obviously had his groove last night. He improved to 5-3 on the season.
Brennan Boesch and Miguel Cabrera had back-to-back RBI doubles in the first inning. Don Kelly added an insurance RBI single in the 8th. Joaquin Benoit got the final out of the 8th with 2 runners on. Jose Valverde retired the side in the 9th for his 12th save. He earned some redemption by retiring David Ortiz on a grounder to first to end the game. The final was 3-0.
With the split Detroit's record is even at 26-26. They salvaged the final game out of their 6 season meetings with the Red Sox. If they meet again in 2011 it will be in the playoffs.
Andy Oliver made his season debut in the first game of the day-night doubleheader. He'd been brought up specifically to pitch the Saturday game, with Phil Coke on the DL with his ankle injury. Oliver was in trouble each of the first 3 innings but managed to only be down 3-0. He allowed a double, hit a batter, walked a batter, and allowed 4(!) stolen bases, all without a throw from Alex Avila, in the first but miraculously gave up only 1 run.
Oliver settled down to go 6 innings, allowing the three runs on 5 hits. Andy Dirks hit his 2nd homer of the season and Brennan Boesch his 4th. Jhonny Peralta tied the game with a single.
But David Ortiz hit a pinch hit home run off of Jose Valverde in the top of the 9th to win it for the Red Sox 4-3. Valverde fell to 2-2 on the season. It was Ortiz's 1st pinch hit home run since 2003. As it turns out Valverde had faced Ortiz only once before, and gave up a grand slam last season. Off the top of my head I think that was the terrible game where Valverde needed around 50 or so pitches to get out of the 9th inning, and almost blew a huge lead before barely holding on. He was never the same for the rest of the season, probably because of that extreme pitch count.
In the nightcap Justin Verlander returned to his dominant form. He pitched 7.23 shutout innings. He threw a career high 132 pitches. That was the highest pitch count for a Tigers starter since 1996. But Verlander's velocity kept increasing as the game got later, so he obviously had his groove last night. He improved to 5-3 on the season.
Brennan Boesch and Miguel Cabrera had back-to-back RBI doubles in the first inning. Don Kelly added an insurance RBI single in the 8th. Joaquin Benoit got the final out of the 8th with 2 runners on. Jose Valverde retired the side in the 9th for his 12th save. He earned some redemption by retiring David Ortiz on a grounder to first to end the game. The final was 3-0.
With the split Detroit's record is even at 26-26. They salvaged the final game out of their 6 season meetings with the Red Sox. If they meet again in 2011 it will be in the playoffs.
Friday, May 27, 2011
possibly an omen of things to come...
This afternoon Detroit traded Scott Sizemore to Oakland for left handed relief pitcher David Purcey. Sizemore had hit .222 since he came up to take over second base from Wil Rhymes. Second base is now handed to Danny Worth. He's the 3rd of the 4 headed second base monster we say last year. The fourth, Carlos Guillen, is still at least 6 weeks away from being game ready. Worth is by far the best defensive second basemen of the four, but questions will be can he hit? He hit a passable .270 in his time up last season.
This trade indicates that Detroit had given up on Sizemore. They also have interchangeable skill sets at second base, so if they needed another left handed relief pitcher they had a part to move. Ryan Raburn can play second as well, and played there a bit this season before Sizemore came up. Daniel Schlereth is the only left handed pitcher they have up right now, and he's been inconsistent.
This move may also mean that Detroit isn't going to keep Charlie Furbush up. They'd rather have that prized arm getting regular starts in the minor, with eyes of maybe seeing him in the starting rotation next season.
I think this trade may foreshadow something more significant down the road. Assuming they are still in striking distance of the Central lead, with a second half that on paper in the preseason looked very favorable, I would not be surprised at all to see them to make a move with a bigger piece.
There are whispers of the Mets possibly holding a fir esale as they shed assets and payroll given the financial struggles of the franchise and the impending partial or full sale to raise cash for the Wilbon family as they continue to be entangled in the Bernie Madoff affair. Maybe they make a run at David Wright to put a big time bat, who plays good defense as well, at third base. Maybe they make a run at Jose Reyes to put legitimate speed and a pure leadoff hitter at shortstop and move Jhonny Peralta to third.
Brandon Inge could be on a short leash. The offense is totally gone. Ryan Raburn could be on a short least. He's still young and with talent but he can't put it all together after multiple shots. If Magglio Ordonez continues to not hit at all we could see the end of him. Detroit needs another bat. They need another arm they can trust in the bullpen.
The point is I expect something more to happen. The Tigers are very close to having a 2006 caliber team. That team went to the World Series, and was actually favored to win it before they played a poor 5 games against St. Louis.
They're also very close to a 2008 caliber team. That team went 74-88 and finished last in the division, after underachieving epically.
This trade indicates that Detroit had given up on Sizemore. They also have interchangeable skill sets at second base, so if they needed another left handed relief pitcher they had a part to move. Ryan Raburn can play second as well, and played there a bit this season before Sizemore came up. Daniel Schlereth is the only left handed pitcher they have up right now, and he's been inconsistent.
This move may also mean that Detroit isn't going to keep Charlie Furbush up. They'd rather have that prized arm getting regular starts in the minor, with eyes of maybe seeing him in the starting rotation next season.
I think this trade may foreshadow something more significant down the road. Assuming they are still in striking distance of the Central lead, with a second half that on paper in the preseason looked very favorable, I would not be surprised at all to see them to make a move with a bigger piece.
There are whispers of the Mets possibly holding a fir esale as they shed assets and payroll given the financial struggles of the franchise and the impending partial or full sale to raise cash for the Wilbon family as they continue to be entangled in the Bernie Madoff affair. Maybe they make a run at David Wright to put a big time bat, who plays good defense as well, at third base. Maybe they make a run at Jose Reyes to put legitimate speed and a pure leadoff hitter at shortstop and move Jhonny Peralta to third.
Brandon Inge could be on a short leash. The offense is totally gone. Ryan Raburn could be on a short least. He's still young and with talent but he can't put it all together after multiple shots. If Magglio Ordonez continues to not hit at all we could see the end of him. Detroit needs another bat. They need another arm they can trust in the bullpen.
The point is I expect something more to happen. The Tigers are very close to having a 2006 caliber team. That team went to the World Series, and was actually favored to win it before they played a poor 5 games against St. Louis.
They're also very close to a 2008 caliber team. That team went 74-88 and finished last in the division, after underachieving epically.
Two nights. Two games. Two poor pitching performances. Two Tiger losses
The starting pitching has been the strength of the team this year, as starters have pitched a ton of quality starts. Not the last two nights though.
Last night, Max Scherzer easily had his worst outing of the season. He got battered by the Red Sox for 7 runs on 7 hits in 3 innings pitched. Detroit got blasted 14-1, and the game was even shortened by rain to 7.5 innings. Scherzer has lost 2 straight decisions and is 6-2 on the season. Alex Avila had the lone Tiger RBI.
Earlier tonight, Rick Porcello got smacked around for 6 runs on 6 hits in 3 innings pitched. He fell to 4-3 on the season.
Charlie Furbush kept Detroit in the game by pitching 5.2 innings of shutout 2 hit ball. He struck out 6 and hasn't give up a run in 8.2 innings of relief work this year. He may be making a strong claim to stay on the roster, if he can actually come out of the pen and get outs. Contrast that with Ryan Perry who gave up 4 more runs last night. He now has an ERA over 12 in 10 innings of work this season.
Detroit couldn't manage enough offense though. Jhonny Peralta hit his 8th homer of the season and had 2 RBIs. Miguel Cabrera had an RBI. But in general Detroit was baffled by Tim Wakefield and his knuckleball. They allowed 5 hits. Wakefield went 7 innings. He's 44 years old but still fluttering it up to the plate. The final was 6-3 Boston.
Last night, Max Scherzer easily had his worst outing of the season. He got battered by the Red Sox for 7 runs on 7 hits in 3 innings pitched. Detroit got blasted 14-1, and the game was even shortened by rain to 7.5 innings. Scherzer has lost 2 straight decisions and is 6-2 on the season. Alex Avila had the lone Tiger RBI.
Earlier tonight, Rick Porcello got smacked around for 6 runs on 6 hits in 3 innings pitched. He fell to 4-3 on the season.
Charlie Furbush kept Detroit in the game by pitching 5.2 innings of shutout 2 hit ball. He struck out 6 and hasn't give up a run in 8.2 innings of relief work this year. He may be making a strong claim to stay on the roster, if he can actually come out of the pen and get outs. Contrast that with Ryan Perry who gave up 4 more runs last night. He now has an ERA over 12 in 10 innings of work this season.
Detroit couldn't manage enough offense though. Jhonny Peralta hit his 8th homer of the season and had 2 RBIs. Miguel Cabrera had an RBI. But in general Detroit was baffled by Tim Wakefield and his knuckleball. They allowed 5 hits. Wakefield went 7 innings. He's 44 years old but still fluttering it up to the plate. The final was 6-3 Boston.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
the LA Lakers didn't take long to hire a new head coach
Not that NBA coaching moves, or pretty much anything that happens in the NBA between the top of the Draft, then the first week of the season when I watch how the rookies that I took an interest in during their college careers do, and the Conference Finals interests me. But this move does.
The Lakers hired former Cavs coach Mike Brown. Brown was fired by Cleveland about a year ago, as Cleveland tried to woo LeBron James to stay with a "better coach". The general perception was that Brown wasn't a good enough coach for a player the quality of LeBron James. So they brought in Dennis Scott. James left anyway.
Apparently Mike Brown is a good enough coach to coach Kobe Bryant. And after being unceremoniously dumped he's now the coach of one of the two most storied NBA franchises, along with Boston, and one of the most storied franchises in all of sports.
The Lakers hired former Cavs coach Mike Brown. Brown was fired by Cleveland about a year ago, as Cleveland tried to woo LeBron James to stay with a "better coach". The general perception was that Brown wasn't a good enough coach for a player the quality of LeBron James. So they brought in Dennis Scott. James left anyway.
Apparently Mike Brown is a good enough coach to coach Kobe Bryant. And after being unceremoniously dumped he's now the coach of one of the two most storied NBA franchises, along with Boston, and one of the most storied franchises in all of sports.
Tampa at Detroit: Last night was the Alex Avila and Miguel Cabrera Show
Alex Avila hit a 2- run homer, his second of the game, in the bottom of the 8th inning to give Detroit a 7-6 victory over the Rays. Avila hit his 7th and 8th homers of the season and had 3 RBIs.
Miguel Cabrera hit a 3-run homer, his 9th of the season.
After a number of outings of Justin Verlander picking up a lack of offense, the offense finally picked up Verlander. He got hit for 6 runs on 9 hits in 6 innings pitched. The bullpen that has been getting battered recently (though at least quality starts by starters has limited their exposure somewhat) put together 3 sharp innings.
Al Alburquerque pitched two-thirds of an inning in relief of Daniel Schereth's 1.1 innings, and earned his first Major League win. He's 1-1 on the season. That's 2 "first Major League wins" by Tigers pitchers in 2 nights.
Joaquin Benoit was called upon to get the same to spell Jose Valverde. He closed it out for his first Tigers save. He's had a couple good outings in a row, so maybe his troubles are behind him.
Jim Leyland shook up the lineup a bit. Don Kelly started for Brandon Inge and hit second. He was 2-3 with a run scored. Scott Sizemore was dropped to 9th in the lineup and was 2-3. Sizemore needs to get going, and so does the 2 spot in the lineup in general. That's where Sizemore has been hitting, and before him Will Rhymes. Austin Jackson is warming up in the leadoff spot but the 2 spot continues to slump.
I have to wonder about Brandon Inge. He plays great defense. But he continues to hit right around .200, and this year and most of last he has not even hit for the power that he could at least provide in the past. So he's become, at least for now, a .200 hitting singles hitter. I have to wonder how much longer that can go on. Don Kelly doesn't have the power that Inge has, at least historically, but he can get on base. And he can play decent defense.
As I look at this year and see a Tiger team that has most of the pieces it needs to be a playoff team, and maybe a legitimate playoff threat, it seems like they'll probably make some trade deadline moves to shore up the roster. An offensive upgrade for third base could happen. They could also use some relief help if guys are going to continue to be inconsistent, and maybe a starting pitcher if it's decided that the best bullpen fix is to move Phil Coke back there.
Miguel Cabrera hit a 3-run homer, his 9th of the season.
After a number of outings of Justin Verlander picking up a lack of offense, the offense finally picked up Verlander. He got hit for 6 runs on 9 hits in 6 innings pitched. The bullpen that has been getting battered recently (though at least quality starts by starters has limited their exposure somewhat) put together 3 sharp innings.
Al Alburquerque pitched two-thirds of an inning in relief of Daniel Schereth's 1.1 innings, and earned his first Major League win. He's 1-1 on the season. That's 2 "first Major League wins" by Tigers pitchers in 2 nights.
Joaquin Benoit was called upon to get the same to spell Jose Valverde. He closed it out for his first Tigers save. He's had a couple good outings in a row, so maybe his troubles are behind him.
Jim Leyland shook up the lineup a bit. Don Kelly started for Brandon Inge and hit second. He was 2-3 with a run scored. Scott Sizemore was dropped to 9th in the lineup and was 2-3. Sizemore needs to get going, and so does the 2 spot in the lineup in general. That's where Sizemore has been hitting, and before him Will Rhymes. Austin Jackson is warming up in the leadoff spot but the 2 spot continues to slump.
I have to wonder about Brandon Inge. He plays great defense. But he continues to hit right around .200, and this year and most of last he has not even hit for the power that he could at least provide in the past. So he's become, at least for now, a .200 hitting singles hitter. I have to wonder how much longer that can go on. Don Kelly doesn't have the power that Inge has, at least historically, but he can get on base. And he can play decent defense.
As I look at this year and see a Tiger team that has most of the pieces it needs to be a playoff team, and maybe a legitimate playoff threat, it seems like they'll probably make some trade deadline moves to shore up the roster. An offensive upgrade for third base could happen. They could also use some relief help if guys are going to continue to be inconsistent, and maybe a starting pitcher if it's decided that the best bullpen fix is to move Phil Coke back there.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/otl/news/story?id=6584770&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines
Wow. Apparently gambling on youth football is a big problem in Florida. There's so much I could say here, but most prominently I personally can't wrap my mind around betting money on the outcome of football games where
A) You're not even entirely sure whether the 6 year old running back is even going to run in the right direction after getting a handoff from the quarterback. That's even assuming that the quarterback doesn't decide pre-snap that he either wants a juice box more than he wants to run the play or that the defense is scary so he takes the ball, curls up on the ground and cries.
B) If I WAS the head coach of a youth football team and I was going to exchange gambling money in the stands at the game, I would make sure my illicit gambling partner didn't look like someone who walked into Thunderdome with Mad Max, thus ensuring that he and what he is doing is going to stand out like a sore thump to every eyeball and video camera anywhere nearby, and probably a few spy satellites too.
Just in case the still in the video atop the linked article isn't still there.
EDIT: I suppose it IS possible that the conversation in that picture could be "Man, I KNEW I should have bet that that little white kid WAS going to pee his pants when the ball was tossed to him! Here's your $20, Thunderdome!"
Wow. Apparently gambling on youth football is a big problem in Florida. There's so much I could say here, but most prominently I personally can't wrap my mind around betting money on the outcome of football games where
A) You're not even entirely sure whether the 6 year old running back is even going to run in the right direction after getting a handoff from the quarterback. That's even assuming that the quarterback doesn't decide pre-snap that he either wants a juice box more than he wants to run the play or that the defense is scary so he takes the ball, curls up on the ground and cries.
B) If I WAS the head coach of a youth football team and I was going to exchange gambling money in the stands at the game, I would make sure my illicit gambling partner didn't look like someone who walked into Thunderdome with Mad Max, thus ensuring that he and what he is doing is going to stand out like a sore thump to every eyeball and video camera anywhere nearby, and probably a few spy satellites too.
Just in case the still in the video atop the linked article isn't still there.
EDIT: I suppose it IS possible that the conversation in that picture could be "Man, I KNEW I should have bet that that little white kid WAS going to pee his pants when the ball was tossed to him! Here's your $20, Thunderdome!"
Russell Wilson is visiting Auburn
Wilson is considering transferring to Auburn for his remaining year of football eligibility. That would be a win-win for both parties I would say. Auburn has a lot of offensive pieces back for an offense that was build around Cam Newton, who was a similar style quarterback. Newton is significantly bigger and more physical than Wilson, so he can run through as well as around people. Wilson also is not going to absorb some of those big hits the way Newton could. On the other hand, Auburn almost certainly has a much better offensive line than NC State, giving Wilson more time to make big plays with either his legs or arms.
Auburn, being Auburn and the reigning national champion, almost certainly has another big time QB recruit coming. They need a high quality veteran to bridge that gap with the loss of Newton to the NFL (though I'm sure that didn't coming as a stunning outcome). Wilson has one year left. Hell, he's a good kid. He deserves a shot at being in a national title hunt, something that's not happening next year for NC State for sure, if it ever does at all.
Auburn, being Auburn and the reigning national champion, almost certainly has another big time QB recruit coming. They need a high quality veteran to bridge that gap with the loss of Newton to the NFL (though I'm sure that didn't coming as a stunning outcome). Wilson has one year left. Hell, he's a good kid. He deserves a shot at being in a national title hunt, something that's not happening next year for NC State for sure, if it ever does at all.
Monday, May 23, 2011
It was rookie night in Detroit
Charlie Furbush made his Major League debut after Phil Coke had to leave the game with an ankle injury with 1 out in the 4th against Tampa. Furbush, one of the most highly touted pitchers in the Detroit organization, was called up 2 days ago when Brad Thomas had to go on the DL with an inflamed elbow. Furbush got his first big league win in his debut, giving up 2 hits in 3.2 innings of relief. He worked out of a bases loaded 1 out jam in his first inning of work with back to back strikeouts.
Andy Dirks hit his first big league home run. Victor Martinez had a 2-run double. Jhonny Peralta drove in 2, and Miguel Cabrera had an RBI.
Jose Valverde got out of a jam after giving up a couple runs in the 9th. Detroit won 6-3, for their second straight win after 5 losses.
It marked the first time in the last 9 games that Detroit had scored more than 3 runs in a game.
Andy Dirks hit his first big league home run. Victor Martinez had a 2-run double. Jhonny Peralta drove in 2, and Miguel Cabrera had an RBI.
Jose Valverde got out of a jam after giving up a couple runs in the 9th. Detroit won 6-3, for their second straight win after 5 losses.
It marked the first time in the last 9 games that Detroit had scored more than 3 runs in a game.
NC State makes another roster move for next season's basketball team
5'10" shooting guard Alex Johnson is transferring from Cal State - Bakersfield to NC State. He'll be eligible to play next year because he's graduating with a year of eligibility left to attend a graduate program that is not offered at his school. That's the same way that UNC was able to bring in Justin Knox from Alabama for last season.
So Johnston will be able to play next year. State sees him as having the ability to back up Lorenzo Brown at the point. Johnson was 3rd on the team in scoring, a tough of 13 points per game, and led the team with 79 3's. He hit 6 against Colorado last year and scored 26 in a loss, so he point some numbers up on big conference opposition.
Johnson is also an experienced player so hopefully he can help lend some stability.
So Johnston will be able to play next year. State sees him as having the ability to back up Lorenzo Brown at the point. Johnson was 3rd on the team in scoring, a tough of 13 points per game, and led the team with 79 3's. He hit 6 against Colorado last year and scored 26 in a loss, so he point some numbers up on big conference opposition.
Johnson is also an experienced player so hopefully he can help lend some stability.
two more games at Pittsburgh...little offense but at least they got one win
Max Scherzer couldn't go undefeated. I didn't think it would be the Pirates, but on Saturday they pegged him for his first defeat. Scherzer gave up 3 runs in 5.2 innings pitched. He was very sharp at times, striking out 7. But he got touched up just a bit, and the bullpen (particularly Ryan Perry) eliminated any chance of a comeback. Scherzer fell to 6-1 on the season.
Miguel Cabrera and Brennan Boesch had back-to-back RBI doubles but Detroit fell 6-2. With the now 5 game skid, Detroit fell back to a game below .500.
In the series finale Sunday afternoon Rick Porcello was so good that the didn't need much help from the offense. That's good because he didn't get much. Porcello took a no-hitter into the 6th inning, and settled for an 8 inning 1 hitter. He improved to 4-2 on the year. He struck out 3 and walked 2.
Jose Valverde closed it out to secure his 11 save.
The offense came from a solo home run by Jhonny Peralta, his 7th, and an RBI by Casper Wells. Detroit eked out a win, 2-0. They evened their record at 23-23 again.
Miguel Cabrera and Brennan Boesch had back-to-back RBI doubles but Detroit fell 6-2. With the now 5 game skid, Detroit fell back to a game below .500.
In the series finale Sunday afternoon Rick Porcello was so good that the didn't need much help from the offense. That's good because he didn't get much. Porcello took a no-hitter into the 6th inning, and settled for an 8 inning 1 hitter. He improved to 4-2 on the year. He struck out 3 and walked 2.
Jose Valverde closed it out to secure his 11 save.
The offense came from a solo home run by Jhonny Peralta, his 7th, and an RBI by Casper Wells. Detroit eked out a win, 2-0. They evened their record at 23-23 again.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Ugly start to interleague play for Detroit
Once upon a time Detroit was tied with Pittsburgh 1-1 with 1 out in the bottom of the 6th. Then the wheels fell off. The Pirates scored 6 in the 6th and 3 more in the 9th to run away with the game 10-1.
Brad Penny gave up 5 runs in 5.2 innings pitched, 2 of those being inherited by Brayan Villareal that scored, and fell to 4-4 on the season. Detroit has now lost 4 straight and is back to .500 at 22-22. Up and down. Up and down.
Ramon Santiago accounted for the only Tiger run with his first home run of the season. He was 2-3. Miguel Cabrera was 2-4. But for the 5th straight game, not alot of offense.
Brad Penny gave up 5 runs in 5.2 innings pitched, 2 of those being inherited by Brayan Villareal that scored, and fell to 4-4 on the season. Detroit has now lost 4 straight and is back to .500 at 22-22. Up and down. Up and down.
Ramon Santiago accounted for the only Tiger run with his first home run of the season. He was 2-3. Miguel Cabrera was 2-4. But for the 5th straight game, not alot of offense.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
In Game Observation - Oklahoma vs. Dallas - Western Conference Finals
Aka: Another Reason I Hate the NBA In A Microcosm
Why don't these guys grab a rebound a squeeze it? I hate seeing all that stupid backtapping and rebound tapping crap. Case in point, Oklahoma City had a chance to corral a huge rebound holding on to a slim lead in Dallas. Instead of squeezing it like he meant it, the guy tried to tap it ahead to the point guard to start a break. The tip was intercepted and Dallas retained possession. Instead of an easy rebound to take possession in a tight 4th Period to avoid going down 0-2 in the series, they allowed Dallas to maintain possession.
This isn't volleyball. It's basketball. Go up and grab the damn rebound and squeeze it like you mean it.
Why don't these guys grab a rebound a squeeze it? I hate seeing all that stupid backtapping and rebound tapping crap. Case in point, Oklahoma City had a chance to corral a huge rebound holding on to a slim lead in Dallas. Instead of squeezing it like he meant it, the guy tried to tap it ahead to the point guard to start a break. The tip was intercepted and Dallas retained possession. Instead of an easy rebound to take possession in a tight 4th Period to avoid going down 0-2 in the series, they allowed Dallas to maintain possession.
This isn't volleyball. It's basketball. Go up and grab the damn rebound and squeeze it like you mean it.
Tigers lose another tough one
Once again the bullpen had a letdown. Al Alburquerque came in to pitch the bottom of the 9th in a 3-3 game, after Justin Verlander had gone 8 solid innings. Verlander got touched for a pair of solo homers, but was otherwise strong.
Walk. Single. Intentional Walk. Bases loaded none out. Alburquerque eked out an out when Andy Dirks, playing shallow in left, was able to fire home on a bloop to the outfield in time to get a rare outfield force at home.
But Carl Crawford lined a single over Austin Jackson's head to win it. Detroit had the bases loaded and 1 out in the top of the 9th, but Jonathon Papalbon struck out Brennan Boesch and Miguel Cabrera to escape the inning.
In the top of the 8th, Boesch and Cabrera hit back to back homers to time the game. They were Boesch's 3rd and Cabrera's 8th.
Andy Dirks singled in Miguel Cabrera for his first big league RBI for Detroit's other run.
Alburquerque is 0-1 on the season. Detroit heads to Pittsburgh for their first interleague series. They'll be playing 2 straight road series, so they'll have to go without a DH for a pretty long duration. That means either Victor Martinez or Alex Avila will have to sit.
Walk. Single. Intentional Walk. Bases loaded none out. Alburquerque eked out an out when Andy Dirks, playing shallow in left, was able to fire home on a bloop to the outfield in time to get a rare outfield force at home.
But Carl Crawford lined a single over Austin Jackson's head to win it. Detroit had the bases loaded and 1 out in the top of the 9th, but Jonathon Papalbon struck out Brennan Boesch and Miguel Cabrera to escape the inning.
In the top of the 8th, Boesch and Cabrera hit back to back homers to time the game. They were Boesch's 3rd and Cabrera's 8th.
Andy Dirks singled in Miguel Cabrera for his first big league RBI for Detroit's other run.
Alburquerque is 0-1 on the season. Detroit heads to Pittsburgh for their first interleague series. They'll be playing 2 straight road series, so they'll have to go without a DH for a pretty long duration. That means either Victor Martinez or Alex Avila will have to sit.
Tigers-Red Sox - In-game observation
Bases loaded, no outs. Walk. Single. Intentional walk. Fernando Rodney and Todd Jones nod in approval.
Tigers-Red Sox - In-game observation
Jonathon Papelbon won that battle, striking out Cabrera in a 6 pitch at-bat. That hurts to load the bases with 1 out and not be able to score. But Detroit at least had their best possible crack to win it. Papelbon gets paid a lot of money to get out the Miguel Cabreras of the league in crunch time though. This probably dooms Justin Verlander to a no-decision though. I doubt he's coming back out for the bottom of the 9th after 112 pitches or so.
And I'm right. It's Al Alburquerque. Great stuff, but looks like he's trying to be the next coming of Fernando Rodney on the Heart Attack Scale. Nobody will ever surpass Todd Jones though.
And I'm right. It's Al Alburquerque. Great stuff, but looks like he's trying to be the next coming of Fernando Rodney on the Heart Attack Scale. Nobody will ever surpass Todd Jones though.
Tigers-Red Sox - In-game observation
Brennan Boesch up with the bases loaded and 1 out in the top of the 9th. You stare at 3 straight right down the middle and walk back to the dugout if you must, but DO NOT ground into a double play to keep Miguel Cabrera from getting a crack.
more news from that All-Time Duke Great Kyrie Irving
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2011/news/story?id=6566218&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines
At least since his college career lasted 11 injury marred games, Kyrie Irving is giving scouts a look at his skills in on-court drlls so they have some information with which to....oh wait...never mind.
Apparently he's going to hand out "Would you like to draft me? Y____ N_____" notes written on crumpled and folded notebook paper to all the team representatives, using the wildly successful "3rd grade girl with a boy crush" method of personnel evaluation.
At least since his college career lasted 11 injury marred games, Kyrie Irving is giving scouts a look at his skills in on-court drlls so they have some information with which to....oh wait...never mind.
Apparently he's going to hand out "Would you like to draft me? Y____ N_____" notes written on crumpled and folded notebook paper to all the team representatives, using the wildly successful "3rd grade girl with a boy crush" method of personnel evaluation.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
why I hate the NBA in a microcosm
I'm watching the 4th period of the Heat-Bulls Eastern Conference Finals Game 2. Miami has Dwayne Wade and LeBron James, two of the most explosive and dynamic players in the game. Chris Bosh is a very solid impact player as well. Chicago has Derek Rose, the MVP and dynamic in the extreme.
But as the 4th progresses, none of those guys is working to make anything happen, to move without the ball, to try to get to the basket, or anything. The game has degenerated into a half-court game mired in quicksand.
Blah, just pass it around the perimeter until there are 5 seconds left on the shot clock, then try to make up something either under duress or after the defense has collapsed because the shooter has no other option but to put it up to beat the shot clock.
Boring. Predictable. Blah.
But as the 4th progresses, none of those guys is working to make anything happen, to move without the ball, to try to get to the basket, or anything. The game has degenerated into a half-court game mired in quicksand.
Blah, just pass it around the perimeter until there are 5 seconds left on the shot clock, then try to make up something either under duress or after the defense has collapsed because the shooter has no other option but to put it up to beat the shot clock.
Boring. Predictable. Blah.
Tigers fall at Boston, 1-0
Phil Coke pitched great, allowing 3 hits in 7 innings pitched, but he got matched pitch for pitch. Daniel Schlereth gave up a 2 out RBI double in the 8th, for Boston's only run. He took the loss.
Victor Martinez led off the 9th with a double, and advanced to third with 1 out, but Jonathon Papelbon struck out Alex Avila and Ryan Raburn to slam the door.
Detroit had 5 hits, 4 of them doubles by Miguel Cabrera, Austin Jackson, Alex Avila, and Martinez, but they couldn't string anything together.
Victor Martinez led off the 9th with a double, and advanced to third with 1 out, but Jonathon Papelbon struck out Alex Avila and Ryan Raburn to slam the door.
Detroit had 5 hits, 4 of them doubles by Miguel Cabrera, Austin Jackson, Alex Avila, and Martinez, but they couldn't string anything together.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Cleveland wins the first pick in the NBA Draft
The ping pong balls were kind to the Cavs. Now they can draft LeBron James and turn the franchise around. Oh wait, that was 2003, the last time they won the lottery.
This season they can take Kyrie Irving, since Harrison Barnes decided to remain in the services of the UNC Tarheels next season rather than playing for the Cleveland NotLeBrons.
Cleveland also has the #4 pick. So they should be able to accumulate some quality players in a hurry. What do they need? Other than LeBron James? Everything. They do have JJ Hickson who's starting to turn into a good player. They also have Antawn Jamison and Baron Davis, so they have a few things to work with. Kyrie Irving and a small forward perhaps?
The Pistons will draft 8th, one spot below what the probability based on their record dictated.
This season they can take Kyrie Irving, since Harrison Barnes decided to remain in the services of the UNC Tarheels next season rather than playing for the Cleveland NotLeBrons.
Cleveland also has the #4 pick. So they should be able to accumulate some quality players in a hurry. What do they need? Other than LeBron James? Everything. They do have JJ Hickson who's starting to turn into a good player. They also have Antawn Jamison and Baron Davis, so they have a few things to work with. Kyrie Irving and a small forward perhaps?
The Pistons will draft 8th, one spot below what the probability based on their record dictated.
Some good news for Mark Gottfried and NC State
http://packinsider.com/2011/05/torian-graham-commits-to-nc-state/
It'll be interesting to watch recruiting develop to see if this was just good luck or indication that Gottfried is able to recruit effectively in the state and for high profile recruits.
I think Sidney Lowe had 2 5-star recruits in his 6 years, JJ Hickson and CJ Leslie. Gottfried has been on the job 6 weeks or so and has already landed one.
We'll see if this turns into another wishy-washy commitment then de-commit. This commit came squarely on Gottfried's watch though, so the coaching change should be a non-factor here.
The kid also thinks this could bring in another big time recruit or two in the class.
If this was actually Gottfried's recruiting mojo at work he seems to be ahead of Lowe's pace. It took Lowe 2 or 3 seasons to get a major recruit to come on board.
In a best case of what this could mean for the team itself, if Lorenzo Brown comes back for his junior year he'd stay at the point and State could again have a big time scorer who can get his own shot, rather than being a catch and shoot guy, at the 2-guard.
It'll be interesting to watch recruiting develop to see if this was just good luck or indication that Gottfried is able to recruit effectively in the state and for high profile recruits.
I think Sidney Lowe had 2 5-star recruits in his 6 years, JJ Hickson and CJ Leslie. Gottfried has been on the job 6 weeks or so and has already landed one.
We'll see if this turns into another wishy-washy commitment then de-commit. This commit came squarely on Gottfried's watch though, so the coaching change should be a non-factor here.
The kid also thinks this could bring in another big time recruit or two in the class.
If this was actually Gottfried's recruiting mojo at work he seems to be ahead of Lowe's pace. It took Lowe 2 or 3 seasons to get a major recruit to come on board.
In a best case of what this could mean for the team itself, if Lorenzo Brown comes back for his junior year he'd stay at the point and State could again have a big time scorer who can get his own shot, rather than being a catch and shoot guy, at the 2-guard.
Rest In Peace Harmon Killebrew
Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew passed away due to cancer at the age of 74. He is 11th on the all time home run list with 573. He was the 1969 American League MVP. There was no better power hitter in baseball during the 60's than Killebrew. He hit 40+ home runs 8 times. He was the first Minnesota Twin enshrined into the Hall of Fame, in 1984.
Worst. Pitching Line. Ever
I'll remember this the next time Detroit's bullpen explodes. This is positively Jason Grilli-esque, but worse. Kansas City's Vin Mazzano allowed 14 runs on 11 hits in 2.1 innings pitched last night during a 19-1 rout by Cleveland.
He dubiously becomes the first relief pitcher since 1942 to give up 14 runs in an appearance. Only 3 pitchers since 1947 have done it at all, and all were starters. You know...you generally get taken out when that happens. Mazzano gave up 10 runs in his 2nd inning of work (all with 2 out) but was inexplicably sent back out for a third inning of work, before he got the mercy-hook.
Mazzano also becomes the first pitcher in Major League history to ever give up that many runs in fewer than 3 innings pitched.
Not surprisingly Mazzano was sent to Triple A after the game.
He dubiously becomes the first relief pitcher since 1942 to give up 14 runs in an appearance. Only 3 pitchers since 1947 have done it at all, and all were starters. You know...you generally get taken out when that happens. Mazzano gave up 10 runs in his 2nd inning of work (all with 2 out) but was inexplicably sent back out for a third inning of work, before he got the mercy-hook.
Mazzano also becomes the first pitcher in Major League history to ever give up that many runs in fewer than 3 innings pitched.
Not surprisingly Mazzano was sent to Triple A after the game.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Tigers winning streak ends at 7
They lost 4-2 against Toronto. Max Scherzer continued the run of outstanding starting pitching. He gave up 1 unearned run in 7 innings, but left in a 1-1 tie, surrendering a sac fly in the 7th.
Joaquin Benoit came in and gave up 3 runs in an inning of work. He surrendered a double and 2 sac flies. Benoit took the loss to fall to 1-3 on the season. If they can get him back to dominant setup form one large and unexpected question mark would be eliminated from the team.
Jhonny Peralta hit a homer in the bottom of the 9th, his 6th. That closed the gap to 4-2 but after an Alex Avila walk, Brandon Inge and pinch hitter Don Kelly were retired.
Miguel Cabrera knocked in the other Tiger run with a sac fly. He missed a grand slam by about a foot. Andy Dirks made his major league debut. He played left field and batted third. He was 1-2 with a walk.
Joaquin Benoit came in and gave up 3 runs in an inning of work. He surrendered a double and 2 sac flies. Benoit took the loss to fall to 1-3 on the season. If they can get him back to dominant setup form one large and unexpected question mark would be eliminated from the team.
Jhonny Peralta hit a homer in the bottom of the 9th, his 6th. That closed the gap to 4-2 but after an Alex Avila walk, Brandon Inge and pinch hitter Don Kelly were retired.
Miguel Cabrera knocked in the other Tiger run with a sac fly. He missed a grand slam by about a foot. Andy Dirks made his major league debut. He played left field and batted third. He was 1-2 with a walk.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
more dominating pitching and another Tigers victory
This time it was Brad Penny in top form. He pitched 8 innings of shutout 5-hit ball. Detroit played some great defense behind him with Casper Wells, Austin Jackson, Brandon Inge, and Scott Sizemore all making outstanding plays.
Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez, and Jhonny Peralta had back-to-back-to-back RBI singles in the first inning, as 5 of the first 6 Detroit hitters had singles. That was all Penny needed to improve to 4-3 on the season, and Detroit earned a 3-0 win.
Jose Valverde closed out the 9th for his 10th save of the season. Jhonny Peralta added a double in the 6th inning for his 1000th Major League hit. Detroit's had at least one extra base hit every game this season.
Jhonny Peralta now has a 10 game hitting streak going and Victor Martinez extended his to 13.
The Tiger winning streak is now at 7, and they've won 10 of their last 11 games.
Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez, and Jhonny Peralta had back-to-back-to-back RBI singles in the first inning, as 5 of the first 6 Detroit hitters had singles. That was all Penny needed to improve to 4-3 on the season, and Detroit earned a 3-0 win.
Jose Valverde closed out the 9th for his 10th save of the season. Jhonny Peralta added a double in the 6th inning for his 1000th Major League hit. Detroit's had at least one extra base hit every game this season.
Jhonny Peralta now has a 10 game hitting streak going and Victor Martinez extended his to 13.
The Tiger winning streak is now at 7, and they've won 10 of their last 11 games.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Tigers keep rolling
Detroit won their 6th straight, and 9th in 10, over KC. Justin Verlander was again dominant. He took a no-hitter into the 6th, before giving up an RBI triple with 2 outs in the 6th. That's 14.2 consecutive hitless innings.
Overall he gave up 1 run on 2 hits in 8 innings of work, improving his record to 4-3 on the season. Jose Valverde closed out the 3-1 victory over Kansas City, for his 9th save of the season.
Austin Jackson led off the bottom of the first inning with his 3rd homer of the season. Jhonny Peralta hit his 5th homer of the season. He's now homered in 3 straight games.
Alex Avila also drove in a run.
Detroit is now 21-18 on the season.
Before the game Magglio Ordonez was placed on the 15 day DL with soreness in his surgically repaired ankle. It's bothered him all year.
Detroit called up outfielder Andy Dirks. Dirks hit very well in spring training, almost coming out of nowhere and hitting his way onto the Opening Day Roster. But it didn't happen, in part because it was decided he could get regular at-bats in Toledo rather than platooning in Detroit. He's been tearing it up in Toledo so we'll see if he can carry that big bat north and add some more pop to the Tiger lineup.
Overall he gave up 1 run on 2 hits in 8 innings of work, improving his record to 4-3 on the season. Jose Valverde closed out the 3-1 victory over Kansas City, for his 9th save of the season.
Austin Jackson led off the bottom of the first inning with his 3rd homer of the season. Jhonny Peralta hit his 5th homer of the season. He's now homered in 3 straight games.
Alex Avila also drove in a run.
Detroit is now 21-18 on the season.
Before the game Magglio Ordonez was placed on the 15 day DL with soreness in his surgically repaired ankle. It's bothered him all year.
Detroit called up outfielder Andy Dirks. Dirks hit very well in spring training, almost coming out of nowhere and hitting his way onto the Opening Day Roster. But it didn't happen, in part because it was decided he could get regular at-bats in Toledo rather than platooning in Detroit. He's been tearing it up in Toledo so we'll see if he can carry that big bat north and add some more pop to the Tiger lineup.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Tigers clutch hitting trumped their shaky bullpen today
Detroit stretched their season high winning streak to 5 games, and 8 of their last 9. The bullpen tried everything to lose it. The offense continuously wouldn't let them.
Detroit was up 5-2. Phil Coke had pitched a pretty nice 5.2 innings, allowing 2 runs, but lost his control a bit in the 6th and got into trouble. I would presume that he started to tire.
Al Alburquerque came in and walked the first batter to load the bases, then struck out a batter to get out of a jam in the 6th. In the 7th he got into his own trouble with walks. Daniel Schlereth came into a 5-3 game with runners on second and third and promptly gave up a 3-run homer that denied Coke his victory.
Detroit came back in the 8th, as Jhonny Peralta hit a 2-run pinch hit homer, his 4th, to give Detroit a 7-6 lead. Peralta pinch hit for Don Kelly, who had come in to play first when Miguel Cabrera got ejected for arguing a called third strike in the 5th.
Joaquin Benoit had a chance to nail it down but couldn't. He gave up the tying run in the bottom of the 8th. But, his 1 run in 1.2 innings of work earned him the victory when Brandon Inge hit a triple in the top of the 9th to score Ramon Santiago. Austin Jackson executed a suicide squeeze to drive in an insurance run.
Benoit earned his first Tiger victory. He's 1-2 on the season. Jose Valverde worked around a walk in the 9th to close out his 8th save of the season.
The final was 9-7. Victor Martinez continued his recent rampage. He was 3-4 on the day, with his 4th homer of the season and 3 RBIs.
Miguel Cabrera had a 2-run double prior to his ejection.
Luckily the offense keeps rolling, and Detroit improves to 20-18, matching a season best 2 games over .500.
Detroit was up 5-2. Phil Coke had pitched a pretty nice 5.2 innings, allowing 2 runs, but lost his control a bit in the 6th and got into trouble. I would presume that he started to tire.
Al Alburquerque came in and walked the first batter to load the bases, then struck out a batter to get out of a jam in the 6th. In the 7th he got into his own trouble with walks. Daniel Schlereth came into a 5-3 game with runners on second and third and promptly gave up a 3-run homer that denied Coke his victory.
Detroit came back in the 8th, as Jhonny Peralta hit a 2-run pinch hit homer, his 4th, to give Detroit a 7-6 lead. Peralta pinch hit for Don Kelly, who had come in to play first when Miguel Cabrera got ejected for arguing a called third strike in the 5th.
Joaquin Benoit had a chance to nail it down but couldn't. He gave up the tying run in the bottom of the 8th. But, his 1 run in 1.2 innings of work earned him the victory when Brandon Inge hit a triple in the top of the 9th to score Ramon Santiago. Austin Jackson executed a suicide squeeze to drive in an insurance run.
Benoit earned his first Tiger victory. He's 1-2 on the season. Jose Valverde worked around a walk in the 9th to close out his 8th save of the season.
The final was 9-7. Victor Martinez continued his recent rampage. He was 3-4 on the day, with his 4th homer of the season and 3 RBIs.
Miguel Cabrera had a 2-run double prior to his ejection.
Luckily the offense keeps rolling, and Detroit improves to 20-18, matching a season best 2 games over .500.
Tigers beat the Twins and the weather in Minneapolis last night
Detroit jumped all over Francisco Liriano in his first start after his no-hitter. Liriano then had to leave early due to illness.
Victor Martinez was 3-4 with 2 doubles and 4 RBIs. Detroit's recent hot streak corresponds to Martinez getting hot. He has a 10 game hitting streak. In that time he has 1 homer and 11 RBIs, and is hitting .472 in that time.
Jhonny Peralta hit a 2-run homer, his 3rd of the season. Brennan Boesch was 2-5 with 2 RBIs.
Scott Sizemore also drove in a run, and Austin Jackson continued to raise his batting average with a 2-5 game, and a double.
Rick Porcello had enough in the tank to wait out a 64 minute rain delay with hail the size of golf balls at the stadium, after having pitched 4 innings with a big lead. He made it through 5, allowing 1 run on 3 hits, to up his record to 3-2 on the season. Brad Thomas allowed 1 run in 2 innings of relief work. Daniel Schlereth and Brayan Villarreal each pitched a scoreless inning to close out the 10-2 rout.
Detroit has now won 7 of 8 to climb back to a game over .500 at 19-18. On the hopeful front they've won 4 straight all on the road. Last year and in the early going this season they've definitely had road woes.
They've been getting it all done with Miguel Cabrera in mini-slump in that time. He's 4-26 with no homers and 3 RBIs over the last 8 games. He was 1-3 with a couple walks and 2 runs scored last night. He'll come out of it for sure. Even so, Detroit's scored 10 runs in 2 straight games with 1 hit and no RBIs from Cabrera.
It was expected that pitching would be key. The better the offense was, the better the team, but pitching would keep them in games. The starts have 16 of the 19 wins, which ties Texas for the Major League lead in that department. They also have 25 quality starts in 37 games. That with neither of the last 2 victories being quality starts because neither Scherzer nor Porcello went at least 6 innings.
There's definitely been more balance this year in the offense than at this point last year. I recall thinking around this time last year that Detroit had 4 regular starters in the lineup still in single digit RBIs. Scott Sizemore (who was sent back to the minors not long after), Adam Everett (who was released), Ryan Raburn (who got hot in the second half), and Gerald Laird (not re-signed this off-season)were all in that feeble boat.
This year Magglio Ordonez of all people is, with 5 RBI. You'd think based on his track record that he will hit, and he has shown signs recently. Brandon Inge may have 9 RBIs if he's still in single digits. But without other gaping holes you can deal with that, given the caliber of defense that Inge plays. Shortstop is much better offensively with Peralta. Catcher is much better with Alex Avila really starting to put it all together this year.
Victor Martinez was 3-4 with 2 doubles and 4 RBIs. Detroit's recent hot streak corresponds to Martinez getting hot. He has a 10 game hitting streak. In that time he has 1 homer and 11 RBIs, and is hitting .472 in that time.
Jhonny Peralta hit a 2-run homer, his 3rd of the season. Brennan Boesch was 2-5 with 2 RBIs.
Scott Sizemore also drove in a run, and Austin Jackson continued to raise his batting average with a 2-5 game, and a double.
Rick Porcello had enough in the tank to wait out a 64 minute rain delay with hail the size of golf balls at the stadium, after having pitched 4 innings with a big lead. He made it through 5, allowing 1 run on 3 hits, to up his record to 3-2 on the season. Brad Thomas allowed 1 run in 2 innings of relief work. Daniel Schlereth and Brayan Villarreal each pitched a scoreless inning to close out the 10-2 rout.
Detroit has now won 7 of 8 to climb back to a game over .500 at 19-18. On the hopeful front they've won 4 straight all on the road. Last year and in the early going this season they've definitely had road woes.
They've been getting it all done with Miguel Cabrera in mini-slump in that time. He's 4-26 with no homers and 3 RBIs over the last 8 games. He was 1-3 with a couple walks and 2 runs scored last night. He'll come out of it for sure. Even so, Detroit's scored 10 runs in 2 straight games with 1 hit and no RBIs from Cabrera.
It was expected that pitching would be key. The better the offense was, the better the team, but pitching would keep them in games. The starts have 16 of the 19 wins, which ties Texas for the Major League lead in that department. They also have 25 quality starts in 37 games. That with neither of the last 2 victories being quality starts because neither Scherzer nor Porcello went at least 6 innings.
There's definitely been more balance this year in the offense than at this point last year. I recall thinking around this time last year that Detroit had 4 regular starters in the lineup still in single digit RBIs. Scott Sizemore (who was sent back to the minors not long after), Adam Everett (who was released), Ryan Raburn (who got hot in the second half), and Gerald Laird (not re-signed this off-season)were all in that feeble boat.
This year Magglio Ordonez of all people is, with 5 RBI. You'd think based on his track record that he will hit, and he has shown signs recently. Brandon Inge may have 9 RBIs if he's still in single digits. But without other gaping holes you can deal with that, given the caliber of defense that Inge plays. Shortstop is much better offensively with Peralta. Catcher is much better with Alex Avila really starting to put it all together this year.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Tigers hammered the Blue Jays tonight
Austin Jackson was only 1-6 in the game, but he made it count. He hit a bases loaded double to drive in 3, and also added a 4th RBI. Pretty efficient use of a 1-6 game.
Victor Martinez had his best game as a Tiger. He was 3-4 with his 3rd homer of the season and 2 doubles. He drove in 3 runs.
Don Kelly was 2-3 with an RBI. He also stole a base. Ramon Santiago and Ryan Raburn also drove in runs.
Detroit cruised 10-5.
Max Scherzer went only 5 innings but allowed 2 runs and struck out 5. He got plenty of support to improve to 6-0 on the season. The bullpen has been plenty rested by the recent run of great starting pitching, so Al Alburqurerque was good to go 2 innings. He struck out 4. Joaquin Benoit made his first appearance in awhile and pitched a scoreless 8th. Ryan Perry got into trouble in the 9th, walking the bases loaded, hitting a batter and giving up a 2 run double. Jose Valverde got the final out to close out a 10-5 victory.
Detroit has won 6 of 7 and is back to .500 at 18-18.
Victor Martinez had his best game as a Tiger. He was 3-4 with his 3rd homer of the season and 2 doubles. He drove in 3 runs.
Don Kelly was 2-3 with an RBI. He also stole a base. Ramon Santiago and Ryan Raburn also drove in runs.
Detroit cruised 10-5.
Max Scherzer went only 5 innings but allowed 2 runs and struck out 5. He got plenty of support to improve to 6-0 on the season. The bullpen has been plenty rested by the recent run of great starting pitching, so Al Alburqurerque was good to go 2 innings. He struck out 4. Joaquin Benoit made his first appearance in awhile and pitched a scoreless 8th. Ryan Perry got into trouble in the 9th, walking the bases loaded, hitting a batter and giving up a 2 run double. Jose Valverde got the final out to close out a 10-5 victory.
Detroit has won 6 of 7 and is back to .500 at 18-18.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Andre Ethier's hit steak came to an end yesterday
Ethier went 0-4 last night in a Dodger loss to the Mets. That snaps his hit streak at 30 games, 1 shy of the longest in Dodger history.
Interestingly the previous 3 players to reach the 30 game level never made it to 31.
At this point I wonder if anyone will ever even come close to Joe DiMaggio's legendary record of 56. Pete Rose has come the closest, at 44. That's still 12 away though.
Interestingly the previous 3 players to reach the 30 game level never made it to 31.
At this point I wonder if anyone will ever even come close to Joe DiMaggio's legendary record of 56. Pete Rose has come the closest, at 44. That's still 12 away though.
Tigers get more good pitching and beat the Blue Jays 5-2.
Brad Penny allowed 2 runs on 7 hits in 7.2 innings pitched. His only mistake was Jose Bautista's 10th homer of the season. Penny earned his 3rd win of the season, evening his record at 3-3.
Austin Jackson was 3-5. It was his 2nd straight 3 hit game and his batting average is now up to .224. He hit a 2-run home run, his 2nd of the season.
Jhonny Peralta was 2-4 with an RBI. Victor Martinez had an RBI double, and Miguel Cabrera had an RBI.
Jose Valverde struck out the side in the 9th for his 7th save. It was his 200th career save. He's the 41st player in history to reach 200 saves.
Detroit has moved back to within a game of .500 at 17-18 on the season.
Austin Jackson was 3-5. It was his 2nd straight 3 hit game and his batting average is now up to .224. He hit a 2-run home run, his 2nd of the season.
Jhonny Peralta was 2-4 with an RBI. Victor Martinez had an RBI double, and Miguel Cabrera had an RBI.
Jose Valverde struck out the side in the 9th for his 7th save. It was his 200th career save. He's the 41st player in history to reach 200 saves.
Detroit has moved back to within a game of .500 at 17-18 on the season.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Justin Verlander No-Hits Toronto!!
Justin Verlander allowed only a 1-out walk in the 8th inning, after a 13 pitch at-bat. He struck out 4, including the final batter. He faced only 27 batters, getting a double play to erase the walk and end the 8th. Even with the 13 pitch at-bat that spoiled the perfect game, he completed the 9 inning no-hitter in only 107 pitches.
It is Verlander's second career no-hitter. Detroit rolled 9-0. Verlander evened his season record at 3-3
Alex Avila was 2-4 with his 6th homer of the season and 2 RBIs. Jhonny Peralta and Victor Martinez were both 2-5 with 2 RBIs. Peralta hit his 2nd homer of the season. Scott Sizemore and Magglio Ordonez also drove in runs, and Austin Jackson was 3-5.
It is Verlander's second career no-hitter. Detroit rolled 9-0. Verlander evened his season record at 3-3
Alex Avila was 2-4 with his 6th homer of the season and 2 RBIs. Jhonny Peralta and Victor Martinez were both 2-5 with 2 RBIs. Peralta hit his 2nd homer of the season. Scott Sizemore and Magglio Ordonez also drove in runs, and Austin Jackson was 3-5.
I will not taunt the Baseball Jinx gods...
Not to utter it out loud but Justin Verlander is pitching a reaaaaaaaaaaaaaaal nice game heading to the top of the 8th, up 7-0
I wonder what this says about the NC State head coaching job
Sean Miller, who immediately expressed no interest in the NC State job after Sidney Lowe was fired and even declined to be interviewed, is leaving Arizona to take the Maryland job, 2 days after Gary William's retirement. At least according to Washington DC media outlets.
I wonder if this is a direct statement on what he thought of being State's coach, or if it's lingering hard feelings as a member on Herb Sendek's staff during the run-up of stuff that led to Sendek leaving (which would not be unreasonable), or if it's just a statement that the Washington DC Metro market is more intriguing for him as an environment than Raleigh and The Triangle.
But he was quick to say no to the State job offer, and apparently quick to say yes to the Maryland job.
So any concerns that Williams retired too late in the off-season to bring in a big name coach, and any wonder if their coaching search would draw more coaching interest than NC State's job seem to have been answered. Maryland quickly got the guy that all accounts said was State's top choice going into the search.
I wonder if this is a direct statement on what he thought of being State's coach, or if it's lingering hard feelings as a member on Herb Sendek's staff during the run-up of stuff that led to Sendek leaving (which would not be unreasonable), or if it's just a statement that the Washington DC Metro market is more intriguing for him as an environment than Raleigh and The Triangle.
But he was quick to say no to the State job offer, and apparently quick to say yes to the Maryland job.
So any concerns that Williams retired too late in the off-season to bring in a big name coach, and any wonder if their coaching search would draw more coaching interest than NC State's job seem to have been answered. Maryland quickly got the guy that all accounts said was State's top choice going into the search.
Tigers winning streak ended north of the border last night
Phil Coke got off to a rough start, giving up 3 runs in the first at Toronto. He settled down but the damage was done. He went 6, allowing 5 earned runs, to fall to 1-5 on the season. Toronto snapped Detroit's 3 game winning stream with a 7-4 victory.
Brandon Inge had a 2-run double. Jhonny Peralta was 2-4 with an RBI. Scott Sizemore drove in a run as well. Magglio Ordonez had a double as his bat continues to show signs of awakening.
Brandon Inge had a 2-run double. Jhonny Peralta was 2-4 with an RBI. Scott Sizemore drove in a run as well. Magglio Ordonez had a double as his bat continues to show signs of awakening.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Maryland head basketball coach Gary Williams calls it a career
Gary Williams announced his retirement today. He had a record of 668-380 in 33 seasons. The last 22 seasons, with 461 wins and the 2002 National Championship, were at Maryland.
Williams was a great coach. Stories swirled over the last 4 years or so of him becoming egotistical and bitter, feeling that he didn't get the respect he deserved. That's always going to be a bit of a problem when you coach against Coach K and Roy Williams. Sure Gary had 1 national championship. But Roy has 2, and K has 4. That's just kind of the way it goes. Williams was also dogged about not being a strong recruiter the last couple years, expecting premiere players to "want" to come to Maryland? Is that true or fair, I don't know. State had a great recruiting class last year and went 15-16. You can have a mediocre class that gels well.
So what is his recruiting prowess being based on? McDonald's All-Americans don't automatically yield results. Great classes don't always yield great results, and lesser classes can. So I don't know that that's fair. From the outside they've had some good players. Grevious Vasquez, as much as I couldn't stand him, was one of the ACC's best.
So long Gary. I'll miss your sweat stains and your side lines theatrics. I guess there's still Seth Greenberg at Virginia Tech, but he's kind of B-List in my book.
Williams was a great coach. Stories swirled over the last 4 years or so of him becoming egotistical and bitter, feeling that he didn't get the respect he deserved. That's always going to be a bit of a problem when you coach against Coach K and Roy Williams. Sure Gary had 1 national championship. But Roy has 2, and K has 4. That's just kind of the way it goes. Williams was also dogged about not being a strong recruiter the last couple years, expecting premiere players to "want" to come to Maryland? Is that true or fair, I don't know. State had a great recruiting class last year and went 15-16. You can have a mediocre class that gels well.
So what is his recruiting prowess being based on? McDonald's All-Americans don't automatically yield results. Great classes don't always yield great results, and lesser classes can. So I don't know that that's fair. From the outside they've had some good players. Grevious Vasquez, as much as I couldn't stand him, was one of the ACC's best.
So long Gary. I'll miss your sweat stains and your side lines theatrics. I guess there's still Seth Greenberg at Virginia Tech, but he's kind of B-List in my book.
Tigers run their winning streak to 3
Detroit beat the Yankees 6-3 today. Rick Porcello allowed 2 runs on 8 hits in 7 innings pitched. He threw a career high 120 pitches and improved his record to 2-2 on the season.
Brennan Boesch was 2-3 with his second homer of the season and 3 RBIs. Brandon Inge also drove in a run.
Detroit had only 4 hits but took advantage of 3 Yankees errors, 2 by Derek Jeter's replacement at shortstop today, and 2 hit batters. They've clawed back to 15-17 on the season.
The first two months' schedule is rough. Detroit's also expected to be a second half team as their young hitters and new lineup finds a rhythm and they have a number of young pitchers who are usually stronger in the second half. On paper the second half schedule also looks easier, so the more they hang in now the better.
Brennan Boesch was 2-3 with his second homer of the season and 3 RBIs. Brandon Inge also drove in a run.
Detroit had only 4 hits but took advantage of 3 Yankees errors, 2 by Derek Jeter's replacement at shortstop today, and 2 hit batters. They've clawed back to 15-17 on the season.
The first two months' schedule is rough. Detroit's also expected to be a second half team as their young hitters and new lineup finds a rhythm and they have a number of young pitchers who are usually stronger in the second half. On paper the second half schedule also looks easier, so the more they hang in now the better.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Tigers win their second in a row
Max Scherzer allowed 4 hits in 8 dominant shutout innings. He struck out 9, to improve his record to 5-0. Al Alburquerque closed out the 9th in the 4-0 win over the Yankees.
Magglio Ordonez was 2-4 with a 2-run homer, his first of the season. He was moved th 6th in the order as a result of his slump. This was his second straight multi-hit game and he has 3 of his 4 RBIs on the season in the last two games. Maybe his ankle is starting to come around so as not to affect his hitting.
Miguel Cabrera had an RBI double and Jhonny Peralta also drove in a run.
Brennan Boesch was 2-4 hitting third. Alex Avila was also 2-4 with a double, and stole a base. Scott Sizemore played 2nd and hit 2nd again. He was 1-4 with a stolen base. Victor Martinez was 1-3 in his return from the disabled list.
Detroit improved its record to 14-17 on the season.
Earlier today it was announced that Joel Zumaya will undergo exploratory surgery on his elbow to determine the cause of lingering pain. That should shut him down for the season.
Magglio Ordonez was 2-4 with a 2-run homer, his first of the season. He was moved th 6th in the order as a result of his slump. This was his second straight multi-hit game and he has 3 of his 4 RBIs on the season in the last two games. Maybe his ankle is starting to come around so as not to affect his hitting.
Miguel Cabrera had an RBI double and Jhonny Peralta also drove in a run.
Brennan Boesch was 2-4 hitting third. Alex Avila was also 2-4 with a double, and stole a base. Scott Sizemore played 2nd and hit 2nd again. He was 1-4 with a stolen base. Victor Martinez was 1-3 in his return from the disabled list.
Detroit improved its record to 14-17 on the season.
Earlier today it was announced that Joel Zumaya will undergo exploratory surgery on his elbow to determine the cause of lingering pain. That should shut him down for the season.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
First No-Hitter of 2011
Minnesota's Francisco Liriano no-hit the White Sox in Chicago, in a 1-0 win. He walked 6 but hung in there in a tight game and closed it out.
Tigers finally win
Brad Penny allowed 1 unearned run in 6 innings pitched. He scattered 6 hits to improve his record to 2-3 on the season.
Scott Sizemore made his season debut in the starting second base and 2 hitter role. He was 3-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored. Austin Jackson was 2-5 with a double, triple, and RBI.
Magglio Ordonez was 2-4 with an RBI, though the RBI was on a groundout so he still doesn't have an RBI hit on the season.
Miguel Cabrera also drove in a run.
Daniel Schlereth gave up 1 run in 2 innings of work to setup Jose Valverde. Valverde closed out the 9th for his 6th save of the season. Detroit beat the Yankees 4-2 to snap their 7 game losing streak.
Scott Sizemore made his season debut in the starting second base and 2 hitter role. He was 3-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored. Austin Jackson was 2-5 with a double, triple, and RBI.
Magglio Ordonez was 2-4 with an RBI, though the RBI was on a groundout so he still doesn't have an RBI hit on the season.
Miguel Cabrera also drove in a run.
Daniel Schlereth gave up 1 run in 2 innings of work to setup Jose Valverde. Valverde closed out the 9th for his 6th save of the season. Detroit beat the Yankees 4-2 to snap their 7 game losing streak.
the Lions seem to have had a nice draft
They took Auburn's Nick Fairley with the 13th pick. He could pair with Su to give Detroit one of the most explosive front fours in the league, as shocking as that is to say about Detroit.
Their second round pick was Titus Young, WR from Boise State. He's fast and will be a good slot receiver to line up with Calvin Johnson getting so much attention.
They took Mikel Leshoure, RB from Illinois, in the third round. Leshoure is a big, physical back, which is not something that they have. Jahved Best is a small, speedy guy. They need a guy who can pound for first downs on 3rd-and-1, or 4th-and-1, and someone who can move the chains during those times they have leads and are trying to run out the clock. Detroit lost a few of those games early in the season, just because they couldn't move the chains late.
OLB Douglas Hogue from Syracuse was their next pick. Analysts say he's got pretty good speed and coverage. Not a bad pick in the 5th round.
Johnny Culbreath, OT from South Carolina State, was their 7th round pick. He's a project, but he has a frame that can add some bulk and muscle and some raw tools to work with.
The analysts give Detroit a high draft grade, particularly on their top 3 picks. Fairley was a steal to fall to them at 13. He wasn't a need since they already have Suh, but you can't pass him up. That tandem could be monstrous together.
Their second round pick was Titus Young, WR from Boise State. He's fast and will be a good slot receiver to line up with Calvin Johnson getting so much attention.
They took Mikel Leshoure, RB from Illinois, in the third round. Leshoure is a big, physical back, which is not something that they have. Jahved Best is a small, speedy guy. They need a guy who can pound for first downs on 3rd-and-1, or 4th-and-1, and someone who can move the chains during those times they have leads and are trying to run out the clock. Detroit lost a few of those games early in the season, just because they couldn't move the chains late.
OLB Douglas Hogue from Syracuse was their next pick. Analysts say he's got pretty good speed and coverage. Not a bad pick in the 5th round.
Johnny Culbreath, OT from South Carolina State, was their 7th round pick. He's a project, but he has a frame that can add some bulk and muscle and some raw tools to work with.
The analysts give Detroit a high draft grade, particularly on their top 3 picks. Fairley was a steal to fall to them at 13. He wasn't a need since they already have Suh, but you can't pass him up. That tandem could be monstrous together.
the Tigers make their first roster move not related to injury
You'd figure on a 7 game skid, with Austin Jackson, Will Rhymes, and Magglio Ordonez all slumping, that some kind of shuffle would come to spark things.
Detroit sent Rhymes down to Triple-A last night and recalled Scott Sizemore.
Rhymes was hitting .221 with 1 extra base hit all season. That's not entirely fair to him. Austin Jackson has been struggling ahead of him and not getting on base. Magglio Ordonez has been struggling behind him, with no pop in his bat, so Rhymes has been pitched very tough without Jackson on to make pitchers pitch out of the stretch, and Magglio not protecting him.
But Sizemore is leading the International League in hitting at .411. He's hot and he's got the tools to be an offensive impact. Detroit needs a hot hitter. Other than Cabrera, only Alex Avila has been a hot hitter.
Victor Martinez will return from the DL tomorrow so that should help as well.
Detroit sent Rhymes down to Triple-A last night and recalled Scott Sizemore.
Rhymes was hitting .221 with 1 extra base hit all season. That's not entirely fair to him. Austin Jackson has been struggling ahead of him and not getting on base. Magglio Ordonez has been struggling behind him, with no pop in his bat, so Rhymes has been pitched very tough without Jackson on to make pitchers pitch out of the stretch, and Magglio not protecting him.
But Sizemore is leading the International League in hitting at .411. He's hot and he's got the tools to be an offensive impact. Detroit needs a hot hitter. Other than Cabrera, only Alex Avila has been a hot hitter.
Victor Martinez will return from the DL tomorrow so that should help as well.
Tigers Saturday and Sunday at Cleveland...Loss and Loss
The offense and the bullpen is letting Detroit down these days. Saturday they lost 3-2 in 13 innings. Brayan Villarreal took the loss. He's 1-1 on the season. For the second straight game Clevelend won in walk-off fashion.
Miguel Cabrera hit his 7th homer of the season and Ryan Raburn his 4th to account for the scoring. There were some ugly box scores though. Magglio Ordonez went 0-6 in what has been an ugly season so far. Brennan Boesch was also 0-6. Brandon Inge was 0-5.
Rick Porcello gave up 2 runs on 7 hits, striking out 7, in 7 innings pitched but got no support.
Sunday was another one run loss. Joaquin Benoit surrendered another late lead, for the second time in the series, giving up 3 runs in 0.2 of an inning. He fell to 0-2 on the season, with 2 losses in 3 games. Detroit fell 5-4 to get swept for the second straight series.
Don Kelly was 2-5 with a double and his first RBI of the season. He now has as many RBIs as the guy he replaced in the 3 spot in the line-up, Magglio Ordonez. Magg's RBI was on a groundout, so hell, Kelly actually has an RBI HIT. He's doing better.
Miguel Cabrera and Alex Avila also drove in runs. Phil Coke gave up 3 runs in 6 innings pitched, but the bullpen couldn't hold the lead late.
Yesterday the Yankees came town. The bullpen again failed. Jose Valerde gave up 2 runs, 1 earned, in the 9th to take the loss. Valverde is 2-1 on the year. Detroit lost its 7th straight, 5-3.
Alex Avila hit his 4th and 5th homers of the season. Miguel Cabrera also drove in a run.
7 straight loses. The longest losing streak in the Jim Leyland era.
Miguel Cabrera hit his 7th homer of the season and Ryan Raburn his 4th to account for the scoring. There were some ugly box scores though. Magglio Ordonez went 0-6 in what has been an ugly season so far. Brennan Boesch was also 0-6. Brandon Inge was 0-5.
Rick Porcello gave up 2 runs on 7 hits, striking out 7, in 7 innings pitched but got no support.
Sunday was another one run loss. Joaquin Benoit surrendered another late lead, for the second time in the series, giving up 3 runs in 0.2 of an inning. He fell to 0-2 on the season, with 2 losses in 3 games. Detroit fell 5-4 to get swept for the second straight series.
Don Kelly was 2-5 with a double and his first RBI of the season. He now has as many RBIs as the guy he replaced in the 3 spot in the line-up, Magglio Ordonez. Magg's RBI was on a groundout, so hell, Kelly actually has an RBI HIT. He's doing better.
Miguel Cabrera and Alex Avila also drove in runs. Phil Coke gave up 3 runs in 6 innings pitched, but the bullpen couldn't hold the lead late.
Yesterday the Yankees came town. The bullpen again failed. Jose Valerde gave up 2 runs, 1 earned, in the 9th to take the loss. Valverde is 2-1 on the year. Detroit lost its 7th straight, 5-3.
Alex Avila hit his 4th and 5th homers of the season. Miguel Cabrera also drove in a run.
7 straight loses. The longest losing streak in the Jim Leyland era.
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