PREGAME: Back in April the Tigers managed to come in and sweep the Mariners in 3 pitchers duels. Seattle’s offense was anemic at the time. However things have changed. While the offense still isn’t a juggernaut, Ichiro is doing that Ichiro thing again and Raul Ibanez and Kenji Johima are doing their part. The two highest paid M’s sluggers still are stuggling though. Richie Sexson has a sub 300 OBP and Adrian Beltre has a sub 400 slugging percentage.
Jerermy Bonderman will look to keep the M’s in check. He’s been awesome over his last half dozen starts, and he should be well rested. His last outing was cut short when he was pinch hit for after only 72 pitches, plus there was an off day since his last start.
He’ll be opposed by Joel Piniero. Piniero’s last start was only 2 2/3 innings. It was short enough to allow him to come in and record the last out in a relief appearance on Monday. He posts only a 46/35 K/BB mix in 98 innings.
POSTGAME: Bonderman was once again awesome. He didn’t have the gaudy strike out totals, but was in complete control the whole game. He was pitching ahead in the count and attacking the strike zone. Of his 110 pitches, 83 were for strikes. Most impressive was that he only went to a 3 ball count on 3 batters (twice on Yuniesky Betancourt). And in what was unusual for Bonderman, his offense gave him some runs to work with.
The Tiger bats comtinued to hit well getting men into scoring position with satisfying regularity. And once again, it was a total effort int that every body contributed with the bat. Even Curtis Granderson who was the only starter not to get a hit, walked had a HBP, hit a sacrifice fly, and stole a base.
Game Time 10:05pm
The pregame show is featuring Scott Pickens tonight! Everyone tune in!
Excited about Bonderman starts these days.
Curtis just swiped a base. It has killed me thus far this season hearing opposing TV crews refer to Granderson as “a threat to bunt” in certain situations, and “a terror on the bases” when he’s on first with no outs. He’s certainly fast but it is as if people dont know his speed is most handy when he is knocking the snot out of the ball. I hope the observations are not something stupid like a stereotype.
With the white sox losing today, tigers will definitely have the best record in baseball at the break
Gotta love Zoom-Zoom
Isn’t it great to hear the opposing fans reation to seeing him post 100-mph on their radar guns at will. Sexson never had a chance.
-Sam
Was anybody else getting slightly annoyed with Jim Price and Dan Dickerson going on and on about Bonderman getting a complete game/shut-out? Considering the bad luck Bondo’s had at times this season (lack of run support, bullpen blowing leads) it seems enough to get the win.
What about Shelton’s steal? It wasn’t even close!
I got to go to the game, awesome seat, second row behind the Tigers dugout-anybody see me? Dark blue Tiger logo jersey with white sleeves, number 45? (Big Cecil)
Great game, Bonderman was great, Inge was very smooth at third on some tough plays. I missed Monroe HR though…
I tried to start a “Lets go, Tigers” chant. Wow,that didn’t go over well…
payday ics loan ics payday loan