Sure the Tigers only scored 7 runs in their last 3 games, but when the White Sox only scored 3, the Tigers came away with the sweep. Jeremy Bonderman and Nate Cornejo followed up Wil Ledezma’s debut with excellent starts of their own. Bonderman was in control the whole game, and always seemed to make a big pitch when he most needed it. What was most impressive was his ability to not get rattled by 3 errors (actually it was 2 errors and a piss-poor call). Another former young Tiger pitcher would have come unglued.

Today I got to witness in person, Nate Cornejo pitching 8 innings of shut out ball, allowing 7 hits and 2 walks against 2 K’s. (as clarification, the post I made earlier about Cornejo did not include stats from this game) He was helped out by some nice defense (including his own) and 2 double plays. I also got to see Dmitri Young and Ramon Santiago look lost against Loaiza. Loaiza has made a lot of guys look foolish this year, but those two guys really seemed to struggle. But, in the end the Tigers beat Loaiza 1-0 for the second time this season.

Other Stuff: Danny Knobler reports that Bobby Higginson’s bad hamstring has half the strength of his healthy one. Bobby indicated he won’t return until he’s 100%.

Knobler also reported that Chris Mears is the closer-for now. Quoting Trammell, “Right now, he is going to be the guy (in the ninth),” Trammell said. “The fact of the matter is, we’re running a hot hand.”

The crowd today was reported as 18,206 but actual attendance was much less (no surprise). In all fairness the weather forecast called for thunderstorms which could have hurt walk-ups and induced no-shows. The number was probably boosted by a large number of groups in attendance. Those in attendance were really into the game and gave Nate Cornejo a standing ovation for his performance at the end of the 8th. It was great to see the enthusiasm for the team. Let’s hope the Tigers can build on this momentum against the BoSox.