Tigers Top Orioles with Late Rally

The Tigers scored two runs in the 8th inning and held on to beat the Orioles 5-4 tonight. For the second straight night, the Tigers got some key performances from players who had been struggling. Last night, it was Gary Sheffield and Fernando Rodney. Tonight, it was Craig Monroe, Sean Casey and Joel Zumaya. Here are the highlights:

• Craig Monroe hit a 2 run homer to cap a 3 run 5th. It was only his second home run of the year.

• Sean Casey knocked in the go ahead run with a pinch hit line drive single in the 8th. This put his batting average above .200 for the first time since April 16.

• Joel Zumaya allowed 1 hit and no runs and struck out the last 4 he faced in a dominating performance. He had allowed 6 runs and 8 walks over his previous 5 previous appearances spanning 5 innings.

• Chad Durbin had no control tonight and walked 6 batters in 3 2/3 innings. Fortunately, the Orioles let him off the hook and he only allowed 2 runs.
  

• The sizzling Placido Polanco went 4 for 5 to raise his batting average to .376 and knocked in 2 runs.

• Todd Jones gave up a run in the 9th and allowed a second runner to get to third but he somehow secured his 9th save.
  

Steve Trachsel will face Nate Robertson in game 3 of the series tomorrow night. The Tigers then will have Thursday off before traveling to Kansas City for a 3 game weekend series. With another open date next week, the Tigers should not need a 5th starter again until May 12.

Bilfer and Kurt have some thoughts on the month of April. I'll try to get something up after the Oriole series.