Another Gem for Bonderman, This Time They Win

Jeremy Bonderman lost a tough one versus the Devil Rays last week allowing 1 run in 8 innings while striking out a season high 12 batters. In that one, the Tigers went on to lose the game in extra innings. Bonderman pitched another beauty tonight but it looked for a while like it might be a similar result. He shutout the Brewers through the first 6 innings striking out 12 again and allowing just 2 hits. Unfortunately, Brewers starter Doug Davis held the Tigers scoreless on 3 hits through 7 innings. Then Prince Fielder (facing the team for whom he used to occasionally take batting practice as a 12 year old) led off the bottom of the 7th with a home run to put the Brewers in front 1-0. Bonderman proceeded to load the bases but got out of the inning with no further damage. Bonderman seems to be better lately at not allowing the big inning (see table below).

In the top of the 8th, Brandon Inge led off by bunting down the first baseline against reliever Matt Wise. The pitcher's throw was wild and Inge made it to second when the ball bounced past the first baseman Fielder. The next batter Gomez, pinch hitting for Bonderman, attempted to sacrifice Inge to third with a bunt down the third baseline. This time third baseman Korey Koskie threw low to first base and Inge raced around third to score when Fielder had trouble picking the ball up. Four batters after Inge's Nook Loganesque trip around the bases, Magglio Ordonez smashed a two run double to right field scoring Gomez And Placido Polanco (who drew a rare walk) and giving the Tigers a 3-1 lead.

Jamie Walker, Joel Zumaya and Todd Jones (who seems to have settled down a bit after an awful week) pitched a perfect 8th and 9th innings to preserve the 3-1 victory. The Tigers have now won 9 of 10 as they continue to breeze through baseball's weaker teams.

Table: Jeremy Bonderman’s Starts in June

Date	Team	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO
6/3	BOS	7 2/3	4	2	2	2	6
6/9	@ TOR	6	6	3	2	3	6
6/14	TB	8	6	1	1	1	12
6/19	@ MIL	7	4	1	1	3	12