Game 147 recap

Tigers 5 Rangers 1

It seems like Tigers games in three sizes down the stretch. The first two kinds are either a hard fought win or a huge letdown. Then there's the Justin Verlander start. In the four games since getting torched by Cleveland, Verlander has allowed only 3 runs and struck out 26 in 28.2 innings. Tonight he won his 17th game and match his win total from last year's Rookie of the Year campaign. Gary Sheffield also seemed to finally look like the hitter who was killing pitchers in May and June. He hit his first home run since August 10th (and only his 3rd since July 20th) to put the Tigers in front. Thanks to the pitching of Verlander and the bullpen (Jonesy 1-2-3 striking out the side!) that's all the tigers needed. Now this is the part of the post where I say it that the Tigers need to keep winning and then they go out and lay an egg in the next game. I guess I'll have to wait until Friday to see if they prove me wrong.

Tiger Hero:
Justin Verlander. A complete opposite of his performances in last August. If the tigers make the playoffs JV, will be a big reason why.

Tiger Zero:
Pudge. After tearing it up all homestand, he ends if with a dud. An ofer with 2 whiffs tonight.

Tigers Record:
W - L
80 - 67
2nd Place AL Central (5.5 GB Cleveland)
2nd Place Wild Card (4 GB New York)