Game 72: Tigers at Braves

PREGAME: Kenny Rogers returns from the disabled list and will be taking on John Smoltz.

Game Time: 7:35

POSTGAME:
This game was just a real pleasure to watch. A couple of pitchers on top of their games, except that the Tigers managed to dissect John Smoltz while the Braves couldn’t solve Kenny Rogers.

It took Smoltz only 34 pitches to make it through the order the first time. He was wicked with even Placido Polanco swinging and missing at a ball that broke a foot off the plate. But then the second time through the Tigers were able to hang in and see a few more pitches. They didn’t have great results, but it took Smoltz 51 pitches to get through the order the second time. The Tigers had some exteneded at-bats including a 9 pitch effort by Sheffield.

Now the third time through the Tigers had put it together. Starting with Curtis Granderson they went single-single-pop out-dingle-double-double-walk-single. This offense still continues to amaze me.

Kenny picked up right where he left off. I was a little surprised to see him lifted as early as he was, but the bullpen came through again. Three innings with only a walk allowed from Jason Grilli, Bobby Seay, and Eulogio De La Cruz was quite impressive – even against a team who is struggling at the dish.

Tigers 5 Braves 0

18 thoughts on “Game 72: Tigers at Braves”

  1. Just once I’d like to see a Kenny play SS during a blowout. His natural position…

  2. The Tigers’ amazing hitting continues. But the bullpen is going to have to come through tonight (gasp). I can’t see Rogers going much more than 6.

  3. For all those days that I dreamt of a Ledezma-Seay head to head matchup… WOW. It was worth the wait.

  4. I can’t believe how much I was looking forward to seeing Rogers pitch tonight. Everything I hoped for and more. And sheesh, did Ledezma ever strike out the side for us?

    OK, even our bullpen can’t give up 5 runs in one inning. Please?

  5. I just got back from Atlanta this morning. I was at this game on Friday night. Like magic, in the 6th inning, all the heckling disappeared. There were plenty of Tigers fans there.

Comments are closed.