The Tigers completed a sweep of the Mariners with a 9-2 rout this afternoon. After averaging just 2.8 runs per game and going 3-12 in their previous 15 games, the Bengals scored 30 runs on 44 hits and 21 extra base hits versus the Mariners.
It was a well balanced attack with each regular plus Brandon Inge batting .300 or better for the series. Every starter except Pudge Rodriguez also had at least one extra base hit. It was especially encouraging to see several struggling Tigers come through:
Curtis Granderson - 4 for 11 with a homer and a double
Miguel Cabrera - 5 for 11 with two doubles
Edgar Renteria - 6 for 11 with a triple and a home run
Brandon Inge - 3 for 8 with a double, triple and homer while playing four positions
Gary Sheffield - 4 for 13 including three hits today
They got some good starting pitching as well with Justin Verlander and Jeremy Bonderman each pitching six strong innings. It was the second consecutive solid start for each pitcher. It is very important that they continue to get quality starts from what should be the two best starters on the staff. On the negative side, Kenny Rogers continued to struggle allowing 4 runs on 8 hits in 3 walks in 5 1/3 innings on Wednesday.
It was a very positive series for the Tigers but we should remember a similar series in April versus a then reeling Rangers club. They outscored the Rangers 37-10 for a three game sweep but were unable to sustain their offense in coming weeks. Next up is the Minnesota Twins for a three game series at Comerica. It's gotten to the point in the season where they can't afford another swoon and they need another strong series versus Minnesota.
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