Game 9

The Tigers make their way to Toronto after last night's 12 inning war of attrition against the Orioles. Will the climate controlled Rogers Center (or is it Centre? Silly Canadians) be the answer to the Tigers offensive struggles? After the next four games the answer should be a little more clear. The Tigers need a good game out of Mike Maroth, as the bullpen will more than likely be without the services of Wil Ledezma and Fernando Rodney tonight. So if Maroth gets into trouble early it could be a long series for the Tigers pitchers. Another Mike will be the center of attention tonight as well. Mike Rabelo will make his first start behind the plate giving Pudge Rodriguez a well needed rest. Gary Sheffield will see some time in the field starting in right field, giving Magglio's knees less time on the hard turf.

Line-ups:
Detroit (5-3)
C Granderson CF
P Polanco 2B
G Sheffield RF
M Ordonez DH
C Guillen SS
S Casey 1B
C Monroe LF
M Rabelo C
B Inge 3B

Toronto (5-3)
A Rios RF
M Stairs LF
V Wells CF
F Thomas DH
T Glaus 3B
A Hill 2B
G Zaun C
R Clayton SS
J Phillips 1B

Pitchers:
Detroit - Mike Maroth (1-0, 7.20 ERA)
Toronto - Tomo Ohka (0-0, 10.38 ERA)

Post-Game:

Tigers 5 Blue Jays 4

The Tiger bats had a little more pop today, adding up to five runs on nine hits. The Tigers offense was aided a little by the Jays inability to filed ground balls. The were more than a few bobbles and two errors on the night for the Jays fielders. Inge and Sheffield looked a bit more comfortable at the plate. Mike Rabelo didn't record his first hit, but had a pretty nice put out on Gregg Zaun trying to take second on a ball in the dirt. Mike Maroth pitched his was out of a few jams getting batters to hit into a double play and a few pop outs. Joel Zumaya looked a little to eager to record his first save. He came in the game in the bottom of the 8th with runners on 1st and 2nd base. His first pitch was a wild one, allowing the runners to advance . A n out sandwiched in between a sac fly and a double and the Jays had the tying run in scoring position with the top on the order coming to the plate. four pitches later Joel had the K, and the inning was over. He was much more in control in the 9th getting Vernon well to pop out and striking out Matt Stairs and and Frank Thomas to end the game. A much better ratio of K's to BB tonight, at 5 to 4. Plus all 5 K's were from only two people. 4 of the 9 hits were for extra bases as well. Both positive signs heading into the Opening Day rematch of Bonderman vs. Halladay tomorrow night.

Tiger Hero:
Brandon Inge. 2 for 3 with 3 RBIs. Looked a lot more comfortable at the plate and in the field.

Tiger Zero:
Curtis Granderson. 0 for 4 with 3 K's. You're still my Tiger Curtis, but tonight you stunk.

Tigers Record:
W - L
6 - 3