Marquee Pitching Matchup Goes Sour

Tonights's game was billed as a showdown between Justin Verlander and Johan Santana but it didn't work out as planned as the Twins routed the Tigers 11-1. Verlander did not have good control tonight and ran into trouble in the very first inning. He gave up a couple of singles (one of the infield variety) and a couple of walks leading to two runs. Carlos Guillen did not help matters by bobbling a double play ball and failing to make a throw on an infield grounder. It was the type of inning you except to see in Minnesota rather than Detroit.

Verlander settled down and retired 11 in a row but then ran into more trouble in the 5th. He loaded the bases on walks and then allowed a grand slam by Joe Mauer. He left after 5 innings trailing 6-0. Jim Leyland said after the game that Justin was working too fast and seemed flustered. He was not concerned though calling it part of the growing process.

Macay McBride followed Verlander with two perfect innings. Eulogio DeLaCruz was much less successful allowing 5 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks in 2 innings. He has now allowed 8 runs in his last 4 innings over 3 appearances.

Placido Polanco provided all of the Tigers offense with a solo homer off of Santana in the 6th. He also had a single, a double and a stolen base. Carlos Guillen had his 11 game RBI streak come to an end. Magglio Ordonez extended his hitting streak to 15 games with a single in the 5th.