Game 77 Recap

Tigers 5 Rangers 2

Todd Jones can indeed pitch a 1-2-3 inning in a save situation. Yes, I know refrains along the lines of blind squirrels finds nuts and sun shining on dog's behinds will greet that statement. But it does occur every now and again. Kenny Rogers scoreless streak ended at 11 innings after surrendering a sac fly in the 6th inning of this afternoons game. Gary Sheffield ended his 14 game home run drought with a insurance 2 run shot in the 7th. Sean Casey is just one point below .300, and might have gotten that hit to push him over instead of two intentional walks had the pop fly machine Craig Monroe not been hitting behind him. Bottom line, Tigers notched a win when they needed one, and that's all that matters.

Tiger Hero:
Carlos Guillen. Has been coming up with clutch at bats all year, today was no exception.

Tiger Zero:
C-MO for 4. The only Tiger not to reach base. Nine walks were issues by Texas pitchers and Craig never got past a 3 pitch at bat.

Tigers Record:
W - L
46 - 31
1st Place AL Central (Cleveland 0.5 GB)

The Tigers have an interesting weekend with two intriguing pitching match-ups; Justin Verlander vs. Johan Santana in a battle of two likely AL Cy Young candidates, then two outstanding young prospects in Kevin Slowey vs. Andrew Miller. They also get the national spotlight again with the afternoon game on Saturday (which I'll be at and more than likely blamed for the loss), and ESPN on Sunday. Par for the course with the last couple of weekends so the recaps will be scattered throughout.