2006 Season

Series Wrap: Twins at Tigers

Three more games in Comerica against the Twins, and three more Tiger wins.

Twins Tigers
Wins 0 3
Offense
Runs 7 14
BA .239 .286
OBP .317 .363
SLG .273 .440
HR 0 3
SB/CS 1/0 0/3
Pitching
BB/9 4.1 3.7
K/9 9.4 3.0
ERA 4.50 1.67

Now this performance wasn’t nearly as complete as the last time the Twins came to town. And really, for the second consecutive series I look at the stats and wonder, “How was this a sweep?” Twins pitcher struck out more batters per game than the Tigers struck out in the series – and the Tigers didn’t even bat in the 9th each game. The Tigers had 3 caught stealings, and got themselves out between 3rd and home 3 times. And yet they won, and won, and won.

The big difference was probably once again the home runs. The Tigers had as many homers as the Twins had extra base hits. Those Twins extra base hits were largely limited by the excellent play of Curtis Granderson in centerfield. He’s yet to commit an error, and has shown an ability to get to anything hit to Comerica’s vast recesses.

Series Studs

  • Justin Verlander went toe to toe with the best pitcher in the American League and came away with a win. He didn’t strike out anyone, but he didn’t walk anyone either. He also made it easy on his defense with 7 infield flies.
  • Vance Wilson isn’t called on often, but he’s performing very well this year. Santana owned him his first two times up, up Wilson hit the improbably homer to earn the win for Verlander.
  • Carlos Guillen made one out at the plate the entire series (he was caught stealing twice). He was 7 for 8 with 3 walks.
  • Curtis Granderson gets the nod here partially for his .462 OBP, and partially for his defense. He robbed both Joe Mauer and Torii Hunter.
  • Todd Jones picked up 3 saves in the series. It wasn’t always pretty, or easy, but he was a significant part of this sweep.

And those who stuggled

  • Chris Shelton, who looked to be coming out of his slump in Cleveland, managed only a double and a walk.
  • Nate Robertson battled his control for the second consecutive start. He walked 3 and hit a batter while allowing 7 hits in only 5 innings.
  • Bobby Seay certainly didn’t make the most of a rare appearance. He allowed a hit and a walk and retired no one.
  • Craig Monroe may give up the high sock look after a mere 2 for 11.