Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Verlander Rocked by Indians

Tonight's game was a little different from yesterday's pitcher's duel. While last night was reminiscent of 2006, today's game brought us back to August, 2007. Against the same team which was held to one hit by Jair Jurrjens and the bullpen last night, Justin Verlander allowed 7 runs on 10 hits in 4 innings. The struggling Verlander now has a 5.86 ERA in his last 10 starts. The Tigers bats tried to make a come back but the middle relief staff of Zack Miner, Tim Byrdak and Chad Durbin would have none of that. They combined to allow 4 runs on 6 hits in 5 innings and the Tigers lost to the Indians 11-8.

The Tigers provided some solid offense tonight and actually jumped out to a 3-1 lead on a 3 run homer by Carlos Guillen in the first. After falling behind 8-3 after 5, they scored 3 runs in the 6th on a solo homer by Magglio Ordonez and a 2 run shot by Marcus Thames to make it 8-6. By the time the 9th inning came along, they were down 11-6. They made one last effort when Cameron Maybin led off the 9th with his second double of the game. With one out, Placido Polanco, Ramon Santiago and Magglio Ordonez singled to bring home 2 runs and make it 11-8. However, closer Joe Borowski retired the last 2 batters to end it.

Notes:

The loss dropped the Tigers 1 1/2 games behind the Indians. They will try to win the series tomorrow afternoon when Nate Robertson opposes Jake Westbrook.

Gary Sheffield has been shut down for at least the rest of the home stand as his shoulder is acting up again. There is a possibility that he may have to have surgery which would end his season. He has obviously not been himself lately and is batting .196 with 1 homer in the month of August. He was replaced by Marcus Thames in the designated hitter spot.

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