Just when it looked like allowing another big inning would help lead to yet another Tigers loss, Curtis Granderson popped the collar on his nice pastel polo shirt (or took his shirt off and flexed?) in the 8th inning and went 2-run yack off of Rafael Betancourt to give the Tigers a 8-7 lead. The Tigers would put one more up off Betancourt.
The three runs scored by the Tigers in the 8th inning were runs No. 33, 34, and 35 allowed by the Indians this year, in the 8th inning alone. In 24 games, that’s nearly 1.5 runs per 8th inning. I guess that gives you an idea of how poorly Betancourt has been this season, seeing as he is typically their 8th inning guy. (I’d like to take this time to officially put Betancourt on my list of top 10 guys I’d love to punch in the face. I don’t know the dude personally, but because he takes so damn long to throw a pitch, I would love to punch him in the face–even if it meant speeding him up a little bit).
Granderson’s home run was his 8th of the season, which puts him on pace to hit about 56 this season. I don’t think he’ll hit that many, though. He’ll probably hit 60. The home run also increased his fan base by 100%, if that’s even possible. I know millions of chicks who would love to have his babies, not because he’s attractive but because he’s a stand up guy in addition to being a pretty damn good baseball player. That’s neither here nor there, though.
Fernando Rodney came into the game in the 9th inning to close the door and pick up his 5th save of the season. He wasn’t afraid to do his best Todd Jones impression along the way (and I had the same ol’ heart attack symptoms) and allow two runners to reach with one out. With guys on 1st and 3rd, Rodney told fans to rest easy, “I’m not Todd Jones,” and struck out the next two hitters. Ensuing fist pump.
This was a big win for the Tigers, who were on their first real slide of the season (3 game losing streak). After jumping to a 5-0 lead, a defensive miscue and 5 runs in the fifth made it look like the Tigers were going to let another one slip from their fingers. So naturally, Granderson’s two-run shot in the 8th felt pretty good in my pants.
Detroit will try and take this series tomorrow at 1:05 PM EST. Last year’s AL Cy Young winner, Cliff Lee will take on Justin Verlander (who should have had a Cy Young by now). It should be an epic regular season game, so don’t freaking miss it.
Items of Note:
- Adam Everett hit his 2nd career (yes, shockingly his second) grand slam today. It was a line drive SH-EE-OT just over the 345′ sign in left that gave the Tigers a nice early 5-0 lead.
- Joel Zumaya picked up his first win of the season, his first since 2007. Zoom appears to be healthier than ever and to have everything working for him right now. He had an awesome strikeout with an 83 MPH changeup after a 99 MPH fastball. That’s hardly fair. As I’ve said before, this brand of Zumaya gives a major boost to this Tigers bullpen.
- Record heart rate fluxuations during this game, perhaps.
- Tigers ended April tied for first place. They will be back in a first place tie if the White Sox lose tonight. They are currently winning, though.
- I realize the Red Wings are on at 2 PM tomorrow, so adjust yourself accordingly. That means watch one of the games on your computer while the other plays on your big screen. I don’t know, figure it out.
- Dontrelle Willis walked the first two hitters he faced in Toledo yesterday, but did not walk another batter the rest of the game. Jeremy Bonderman also felt good after throwing four innings Thursday in Lakeland. It’ll be interesting to see who gets axed when these two are pronounced ready for their respective call ups. (If I had to guess Miner and Porcello might find themselves being the odd guys out.)
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