Yesterday's game was probably the most frustrating loss since the 2006 World Series and it set up the biggest game of the season today. The Twins, winners of six in a row, had a chance to complete a sweep and cut the the Tigers lead in the American League Central to one game. It would probably be the last game the Tigers will ever play in the God forsaken Metrodome and they needed a win badly.
Nate Robertson was not who you wanted to see on the mound for the biggest game of the year but he got the job done. He made it through five innings, allowing two runs of five hits and three walks. He got big outs when he needed them and also had six strikeouts.
Robertson left with a 4-2 lead and passed the torch to Zach Miner. Miner is another pitcher you don't want to see on the mound in a big game at Minnesota but he also accomplished what he needed to do. He worked two scoreless innings and left with a 6-2 lead which would be the final score. Bobby Seay and Fernando Rodney each pitched a scoreless inning to preserve the victory.
The Tigers were held to two runs in the first two games of the series and even yesterday, when they got 12 hits and left a bunch of men on base, they did not hit the ball very hard. They finally broke loose today with six runs. They tied the game at one when Guillen tripled of the baggy in the fourth. After falling behind 2-1, the Tigers then scored three in the fifth on a walk and four singles. Finally, they scored two in the eighth highlighted by a Ryan Raburn homer.
The only way the Tigers will ever play in the Metrodome again is if the Twins force a one game playoff. The Twins would be awarded home field advantage if they maintain their lead in the season series. They are currently up 9-5 so it would take a Tigers sweep of the four game series versus the Twins in the final week in order to erase the deficit. Since, the combination of the Tigers sweeping the Twins and blowing a three game lead is highly improbable, a one game playoff would almost surely be in the Metrodome.
Hopefully, we have seen the last of the stadium with its cement like turf, a baggy for a right field wall and a white roof. It's bad for baseball and seemingly worse for the Tigers than other team. Ever since 1987 when the Tigers lost to the inferior Twins in the playoffs, that place has been a nightmare for the Tigers and their fans. As bad as it was to see Donald Kelly lose the ball in the roof yesterday, it's the kind of event we've grown to expect when playing at Minnesota. It's going to be a refreshing site to see the Twins play outdoors in Target Field starting in 2010.
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With 13 games left. It would really be nice if the Tigers have sealed the deal before the Twins come to town.
ReplyDeletea) would not want to go through 2006 again.
b) if the Big Cats have a chance in post season, the pitching staff needs to be rested and aligned (i.e. withouth Verlander pitching on short rest in the last series).
I almost feel better about the Tigers that Nate and Zach were part of todays big turn around
It would also be nice if the Tigers were hitting on all cylinders starting NOW --- emphasis on 'hitting'
Titus, I agree that clinching early would help the pitching staff. As you said, they need a well rested Verlander in game 1 of the playoffs assuming they make it. I think Jackson is tired too and could use a rest.
ReplyDeleteLee