Galarraga, Tigers avoid sweep

After sleep walking through the first 34 innings of the series, the Tigers broke through for five runs in the eighth inning today to defeat the Blue Jays 5-1. Down 1-0 with two outs in the bottom of the eighth, Miguel Cabrera singled versus Jason Fraser to score Placido Polanco with the tying run. Two walks later, Edgar Renteria put the Tigers in front with a two run double and Brandon Inge then capped the rally with a two run single.

I'll give most of the credit for this one to Armando Galarraga for keeping them in the game with eight strong innings allowing just the one run on six hits and two walks. I was skeptical about Galarraga's low ERA earlier in the season but, instead of regressing, he has gotten even better in recent games. After having control problems earlier in the season, the Big Cat has posted an impressive 30/7 K/BB and ratio and 2.72 ERA in 39 2/3 innings since the all-star break.

For the season, Armando has a 3.11 ERA (good for sixth in the league) and a 92/44 k/BB ratio in 133 innings. I think he has emerged into a legitimate Rookie of the Year candidate and his 11-4 record should help him gain support among voters. Galarraga has been one of the few bright spots in a pretty disappointing season for the Tigers.