It Keeps Getting Better

In recent posts, I talked about how the Tigers had allowed fewer runs than any team in the league while their bats struggled. The last two games the bats have gotten really healthy and their pitching just keeps getting better. Last night, they blanked the Minnesota Twins 9-0 while accumulating 15 hits. Today, they destroyed the Twins 18-1 with a 23 hit attack, the 18 runs being their most ever in Comerica. That's 27 runs on 38 hits in two days. I guess their hitting slump is over.

There has been so much hitting the last two days, it's hard to know where to start but I'll go with Carlos Guillen. Guillen drove in 4 runs yesterday and 5 runs today for a total of 9 RBI in two games. His offensive explosion was highlighted by a three run double on Friday night and two home runs today - a two run smash and a three run shot. Ivan Rodriguez led the hit parade with 7 singles while Craig Monroe has had had 5 hits including three doubles. Curtis Granderson, Magglio Ordonez, Chris Shelton and Marus Thames all connected for home runs. I could go on and on.

As good as their hitting has been, I have been equally pleased with the pitching the last two games. The much maligned (on several internet sites) Nate Robertson pitched 7 shutout innings on Friday night. That was his second consecutive start where he pitched 7 scoreless innings and he has allowed only 7 hits in those 14 innings. Today, prized rookie Justin Verlander allowed just 1 run on 6 hits in 7 innings. Verlander is looking like a kid who is not intimidated by the major leagues; like someone who should contribute all year long. The young relief staff was not really needed the last two games but they continued to excel anyway. Jordan Tata, Fernando Rodney, Bobby Seay and Jason Grilli pitched one scoreless inning apiece.

The Tigers are now 15-9 and are showing no signs of slowing down any time soon. The usual sense of impending doom is not there right now. It just keeps getting better.