Tigers Hold on to Win 10-9

On a brutally cold and windy day at Comerica Park, the Tigers exploded for 8 runs in the third inning and added another in the 4th to take a 9-0 lead over the Blue Jays. It looked like it would be an easy game for the Tigers but it didn't turn out that way. They took a 10-2 lead into the 8th but then it got really sloppy and they narrowly missed an embarrassing loss when the Blue Jays scored 7 runs in the 8th. Todd Jones, who didn't figure to get into this game after their quick start, managed to close it out in the 9th for a 10-9 victory.

Granderson led off the 3rd with a walk, stole second, scored the first run and then then seemingly broke the game open with a grandslam in his second at bat of the inning. Granderson later knocked in another run with a triple. Ivan Rodriguez (4), Placido Polanco (3) and Carlos Guillen (2) also had multiple hit games. One of the best things they did offensively was draw 9 walks as they continue to show patience against Blue Jay hurlers. Magglio Ordonez had 3 walks (along with a single) and Sean Casey walked twice.

Nate Robertson, who got some rare run support, allowed 2 runs in 5 2/3 innings and got the win. Jason Grilli and Fernando did not fare as well and were responsible for the 7 run 8th. Grilli (5 hits, 5 runs) did not pitch as poorly as the box score indicates as he was a victim of 3 bloop singles and some poor defense by Magglio Ordonez. Rodney struggled for the second straight outing allowing 2 runs on 3 hits.

The Tigers and Blue Jays play the rubber game of the three game series tomorrow afternoon. It will be Justin Verlander against Gustavo Chacin.