Game 96

To paraphrase LL: Don't call it a comeback, they've been in first place for months.

Ok, it was a comeback...A HUUUGGGGE comeback.

It started off good, with run support for Edwin Jackson of all people, with a 2 run first inning. And it would figure that the game the Tigers give E-Jax some runs to work with an he has one of his worst starts of the season. Good news for the Tigers, even a bad start for Jackson was still a quality start.

The White Sox took the lead in the 5th and it seems a case of sqanderitis had set in. Curtis Granderson had a runner at 3rd with 2 outs in the 7th, but lined out to end the inning. In the 8th Carlos Guillen followed a 2 out walk by Miguel Cabrera with looking at strike three to end the inning. So here it was 3 outs left and Bobby Jenks and his career 20 saves vs. the Tigers to look forward to. A strikeout by Ryan Raburn started off the inning, no surprise there. Then Brandon Inge took the first pitch he saw to left field his hobbled knee replaced by Adam Everett and the rally was on. Marcus Thames pinch hitting for Gerald Laird followed with a lucky broken bat single which gets runners on the corners with one out. I say lucky because if the bat doesn't break it's more than likely a routine line out to right field. Ramon Santiago got it in the air, but not out of the infield for the second out. Up again was Curtis Granderson. This time he delivered. A double down the line and it's a tie ballgame. Placido Polanco was unable to end it, as he lined out to end the ninth.

In came Fernando Rodney. He gets Jim Thome to strike out, but allows Paul Konerko to reach on a walk. Up now is A.J. Pierzynski. The insufferable douche was 4 for 4 with an RBI in the game so far. One pitch from Rodney, two outs was the result, and to the bottom of the 10th we go.

Clete Thomas and Miguel Cabrera both singled to lead off the inning. Up comes Carlos Guillen. 6 pitches later a hit up the middle and the game is over. I don't want to say "he's back" just yet, but it's not going to take much more convincing after these past two games. And speaking of impressive since returning, big tip of the cap to Ryan Perry. 4.2 innings, one hit 4 K's since being recalled from the minors. See Joel that's how it's done

On the the nightcap on ESPN tomorrow night, with each team's young stud pitcher on the mound. I wasn't expecting a chance for the sweep, but I'll take it.

Tigers 4 White Sox 3 (10 innings)
W: Rodney (1-2)
L: Carrasco (3-1)

Tigers Record
W - L
52 - 44
1st Place AL Central (3 games ahead of Chicago)