Game 57

The Tigers head into Arlington facing, record-wise, the worst team in the majors. This isn't a team to be taken lightly, they lead the AL in home runs hit, but then again only the White Sox and Royals have worse OBP than Texas, so a lot of those home runs aren't doing a great deal of damage. Even if Tiger pitchers struggle to keep Ranger batters off the basepaths, Ranger pitching does a great job of giving those runs back. Texas' team ERA is one of two team ERAs above 5.00 (Tampa Bay being the other). Maybe Pudge Rodriguez will get his 3rd walk of the year as well, the Rangers are third in the majors in walks allowed. In injury news, Carlos Guillen and Brandon Inge return to the line-up today, and Vance Wilson begins a rehab stint in Toledo.

Line-Ups:

Detroit (32-24)
O Infante CF
P Polanco 2B
G Sheffield DH
M Ordonez RF
C Guillen SS
I Rodriguez C
M Thames 1B
C Monroe LF
B Inge 3B


Texas (20-37)
J Hairston Jr. CF
M Young SS
M Teixeira 1B
S Sosa DH
V Diaz LF
M Byrd RF
I Kinsler 2B
G Laird C
R Vasquez 3B

Pitchers:
Tigers - Nate Robertson LHP (4-5, 4.25 ERA)
Rangers - John Rheinecker LHP (No record)

Post-game:

Tigers 4 Rangers 7

Nate Robertson did not heed my advice. After allowing a lead-off single, he walked the bases loaded, then a single and grand slam later, and he was down 5-0 after facing five batters. A triple to the sixth hitter he faced ended his night. The Tiger bats mounted a comeback and cut the lead in half after the 2nd. But wasted opportunities came back to haunt them. They left five runners in scoring position with one out or less. It's not like the bullpen didn't give them every opportunity to get back in it. Jason Grilli, Zach Miner, and Tim Byrdak combined for 7 shutout inning, giving up only five hits and one walk, while striking out 8. After Marlon Byrd's triple in the first, no Ranger reached second base until Gerald Laird advance on a hit and run in the 6th. Fernando Rodney surrendered the bullpen's only run as he returned from the DL. Rodney was erratic as he gave up a run on two hits and a walk, had a wild pitch (and another that got away from Pudge, but no runner advanced), yet still struck out two in an inning of work.

Tiger Hero:
Jason Grilli. He hasn't allowed a run, has struck out 6, and given up only 5 hits in 7 innings of work, after getting hit in the leg with a line drive May 26.

Tiger Zero:
Nate Robertson. If what's causing his troubles can't be solved soon, I wouldn't be surprised to see his spot in the rotation given to Kenny Rogers when he is ready to return.

Tigers Record:
W - L
32 - 25
2nd Place AL Central (3.5 GB Cleveland)