Tigers Scratch Out Win Versus O's

The Tigers didn't do much hitting again today but they came away with a 3-1 victory over the Orioles. Starters Nate Robertson and Jaret Wright dueled to a scoreless tie through 5 innings but the Tigers finally broke through in the sixth for two runs without hitting the ball out of the infield. First, the Tigers loaded the bases on two infield hits and a walk. Then , with one out, Magglio Ordonez hit what looked like an inning ending double play grounder to shortstop but second baseman Brian Roberts threw the ball wild to first and the Tigers scored two runs on the play.

The Tigers scored another run in the 8th on Granderson's second double of the game, a wild pitch and a sacrifice fly by Polanco. It's not always obvious when a player swings for a sacrifice fly but it was clear what Polanco was trying to do and it was well executed.

Meanwhile, Nate Robertson was strong again shutting out the Orioles on 4 hits and 1 walks over 7 1/3 innings. Joel Zumaya came in and allowed his first run of the year, a home run to Corey Patterson in the eighth. Todd Jones got them 1-2-3 in the 9th for an easy save.

Notes:

• Neifi Perez replaced the slumping Brandon Inge at Third base and managed an infield hit to the pitcher to lead off the 6th inning rally.
  

• Polanco went 2 for 3 to raise his batting average to .448. With no walks, no extra base hits and one sacrifice fly, he now has a bizarre .448/.433/.448 batting line.
  

• The Tigers had some problems on the bases tonight as Carlos Guillen was picked off in embarrassing fashion and later caught stealing. Polanco was also caught stealing on a strike out throw out double play in the first.