Game 6

The Tigers roll in to Baltimore after barely edging out a series victory in Kansas City. The weather looks to be a little bit better with temperatures in the mid 40's for today's game. It's Opening Day for the O's as they send Daniel Cabrera to the mound. Cabrera can be masterful, as he was last September, nearly no-hitting the Yankees, or dreadful as evidenced last April when he allowed seven runs, on seven hits and seven walks in 1.1 innings of work. On the mound for the Tigers is Chad Durbin in his first major league start since 8/26-04. Let's hope the 2 years and 7 months since have taught him some things, because in that start he didn't get out of the first after giving up 6 runs. The Orioles are also coming off a series win over the Yankees after being swept by the Twins in the opening series, but will be without the services of catcher Ramon Hernandez, a blow to the O's offense.

Line-ups:
Detroit (3-2)
Granderson CF
Polanco 2B
Sheffield DH
Ordonez RF
Guillen SS
Rodriguez C
Casey 1B
Monroe LF
Inge 3B

Baltimore (2-4)
Roberts 2B
Mora 3B
Markakis RF
Tejada SS
Huff 1B
Gibbons LF
Millar DH
Patterson CF
Bako C

Pitchers:
Tigers - Chad Durbin (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
Orioles - Daniel Cabrera (0-1, 3.86 ERA)

Post-game:

Tigers 2 Baltimore 6

Daniel Cabrera was on today. After a 21 pitch first inning he settled down and was in control. The pitcher that led the AL in walks last year did not have one today. It's not like he was overpowering Tiger hitters, he only had 5 K's (2 were against Inge so I'm hesitant to count those as legit K's), but his curveball put Tigers in a hole so often they were swinging at bad pitches, popping out, and hitting weak grounders. As for Durbin he looked good until the third inning. Still he stuck out 5 and only had one walk. The problem was he was leaving too many pitches out for hits. Wil Ledezma was lights out in relief. In 2.1 inning he allowed only one hit, adn his only walk was an intentional one. If the Tigers had another lefty besides Seay in the bullpen, one might wonder if Ledezma might be given another shot as a starter.

Tiger Hero:
Wil Ledezma and Jose Mesa. After Durbin faltered the bullpen came in and allowed only one hit and retired the last nine Orioles in a row.

Tiger Zero:
Gary Sheffield. While Brandon Inge might be hitless for the year, he is only 3 hits behind Sheffield on the year. An o for 4 performance today with a strikeout. The Tigers need more than that from the 3 spot to win games.

Tigers Record:
W - L
3 - 3