PREGAME: The Tigers will try to nip this losing streak at 2 games. Tonight it will be heat (Justin Verlander) against the opposite of heat (Tim Wakefield)
Wakefield has been ridiculously good this year posting a 1.79 ERA. He’s done it by keeping the ball in the park with only 2 homers in 45 innings. Combined with a WHIP a smidge over 1 and that isn’t a lot of scoring. He’s been particularly tough on left handers with only 2 extra base hits allowed this season.
Justin Verlander has been pretty good himself with a 2.83 ERA. His weakness is that he’s been prone to bouts of wildness with 2 5 walk outings already.
Game Time 7:05
POSTGAME: Describing Verlander’s start as excellent may be an understatement. In fact, I’d probably rank it as the 2nd most impressive start this year by a Tiger (behind Bonderman’s duel with Halladay). Statistically it was on par with several other starts by Robertson, Durbin, and of course Justin himself. However, given the context of the situation: against the Red Sox offense, after a couple bad losses, with a depleted bullpen – that was really stepping up.
And props to the Sox fans who recognized the effort with a standing ovation.
Fernando Rodney came in for the last 4 outs, and was quite effective despite allowing 2 baserunners on a fly that found a spot between Granderson and Monroe and a tough chopper to Rodney.
The Tigers bats bounced back after struggling against Matsuzaka. They racked up 12 hits and had a couple other hard hit balls that were fielded clean. Every player except Marcus Thames was able to contribute one way or another.
It was a nice 7-2 win, returning the favor from the night before. It also kept the Indians at bay who thumped the Twins tonight.
Hopefully the Green Monster takes a beating tonight when Wakefield is on the mound.
Wow. I’m already tired of ground balls to the 3rd baseman. Geez.
Do you think the guys could let this knuckleballer throw more than 1 or 2 pitches before swinging. They are reminding me of what everyone called them last year: “free swingers”.
I have a bad feeling this game is going to be fairly short, yet feel very long…
Looking better.
Mags crushed that. The Red Sox announcers had just finished saying that he had the 2nd highest average vs the Sox of active players. 366.
Geno was a little overly agressive there. Manny had the ball when pudge was just rounding 3rd. I had a 50% chance of throwing him out 😉
-Sam
That was a beauty. It landed on the street outside the stadium. And, the look on Inge’s face when he hit his HR was priceless. Did I do it? Did I really make it? I think he thought the outfielder caught it. Priceless.
The Tigers were on such a roll, why did they let Pudge try for home when they know Manny can throw it straight to the catcher? Oh, well.
Verlander is grooving nicely – and 75 pitches through 5.
From WXYT: “Oh, boy! Justin buckled his knees with a good old-fashioned yakker.”
I laughed so hard my boss came in the room and asked me what I was doing.
Man, I’d love to see Justin make it through 8. The way he’s pitched so far, that would get him some nice national props. The boy deserves it.
Keep it away from the bullpen tonight.
108 pitches through 7. I think Rodney is going to show up, and I’m holding my breath.
Outstanding game by Verlander. I think he gets to start the 8th, but if a baserunner gets on we’ll see Rodney.
Frighteningly, I’m kind of sad to see Wakefield go. Now we get a fresh pitcher who no doubt is great, given the RS bullpen. Still, up 3 with 6 outs to go, I like our chances a bit better. Still nervous, of course…
So, how are the Boston commentators viewing this game thus far?
Somebody help me out here… Casey’s on first base. What is he saying to the first baseman? He always has something to say to the opposing player. How’s the wife and kids? What did you have for breakfast today? What is he saying?!? Anybody have a guess?
Now with a 6 run lead, I don’t see any need to run Verlander’s pitch count to 120.
I hate bringing Verlander out for the 8th. We have a 6 run lead, he is over 100 pitches, he had a long break, let him take a shower.
-Sam
I say he goes 7 1/3… one hit, one walk, he’s out
Surprised to see Justin out there. He is working fast.
I stand corrected. 7 2/3
There are times I think Leyland has an evil twin!
All right, everybody. Here we go!
Standing O for Justin. In Boston. Nice.
T Smith He went 8 2/3. Rodney got the last out.
Good to see Pudge get his bat going again. He had a great game tonight.
Kathy,
If he went 8 2/3, he would have been one out away from a complete game… we still need three outs to get a V
If only Rodney could FIELD!!
-Sam
Sorry. He pitches so fast, he takes the rest of us right along with him. It felt like 8 2/3. Anyway, what a great game.
Just gotta win one of the last two and we should be in good shape for Cleveland.
What do you mean, Adam? They play St. Louis this weekend.
Well, never mind then. :O