Games 39 & 40

Game 1:

Tigers 1 Red Sox 2

Missed most of this one, save for a few innings during lunch, but it appeared that the difference in this game was The Tigers not taking advantage when they had runners in scoring position, and the Red Sox did. Great pitching by Zach Miner, especially considering he had to fly in the morning just to make his start. Another solid pitching performance all around. Tim Byrdak looked really good striking out a game high 5. While you never want to see a loss, this is a pitching performance that they can be proud of.

Game 2:

The Tigers need a win tonight to leave Boston with a series split, winning roadtrip, and to move back into a tie for first place in the AL central. Standing in their way is Mr. Congeniality, Curt Schilling. Apparently swinging a bat for 4 at bats was a bit too much for David Ortiz, as he will be sitting out the nightcap along with Pudge and Craig Monroe.

Line-ups:
Detroit (24-15)
C Granderson CF
P Polanco 2B
G Sheffield DH
M Ordonez RF
C Guillen SS
S Casey 1B
M Thames LF
M Rabelo C
B Inge 3B

Boston (27-12)
C Crisp CF
A Cora SS
K Youkilis 1B
M Ramirez DH
M Lowell 3B
J Varitek C
E Hinske RF
W Pena LF
D Pedroia 2B

Pitchers:
Tigers - Chad Durbin RHP (3-1, 5.08 ERA)
Red Sox - Curt Schilling RHP (4-1, 3.63 ERA)

Post-game:

Tigers 2 Red Sox 4

This game had a little bit of everything that's gone wrong in the tigers season. Numerous runners left on base, a good pitching performance nullified by no run support, and let's not forget the bullpen blow-up. Still the Tigers keep it close in the top team in the AL's ballpark, and were 3-4 on a road trip where two pitchers from Toledo were called in for spot starts. All that and their still only a game out of first place.

Tiger Hero:
Curtis Granderson. Two doubles and he drew a walk.

Tiger Zero:
Wil Ledezma. Giving up the game tying run, wasn't really his fault. Giving up the go ahead 2 run homer was.

Tigers Record:
W - L
24 - 16
2nd place AL Central (1 GB of Cleveland)