Well, they did it: the Tigers finished off the 3-game home series against the Twins with a sweep, which makes them 5-0 against the Twins this season. Hopefully the home series was good for cash flow–the Tigers appear to be one of 9 MLB teams that have unacceptable debt loads.
The last time the Tigers and White Sox met, the Tigers swept the 3-game series, and held Chicago to a total of 3 runs for the entire series. So, yes, the Tigers are a combined 8-0 vs the Twins and White Sox so far in 2011. Add to that the last 6 games between the teams in 2010 that Detroit won, and Detroit tonight has a chance to win their 10th straight vs the White Sox, something they last accomplished in 1923.
The White Sox come into this game though with a lot of momentum, fresh from a 3-game sweep of the previously hot Red Sox, scoring 24 runs over 3 games. So which White Sox will we see this series, the 3-run version or the 24-run version?
Attempting to make it the former will be Andy Oliver, making his 2nd start in place of Phil Coke. Chicago counters with lefty Mark Buehrle, who struggled in his Apr 22 start vs Detroit, and gave up 6 runs in 5 2/3 innings, including a 2-run HR to Ryan Raburn.
Rain is in the forecast, so stay tuned.
Oh, and the Free Press has officially jinxed Al Alburquerque, comparing him to Joel Zumaya.
Today’s Player of the Pre-Game: Danny Worth
With Brandon Inge on the 15-day DL with mono, Danny has a chance to prove his worth at 3B. (Curiously, the Tigers called up C Omir Santos to take Inge’s spot).
Today’s Everyday Lineup:
- Austin Jackson CF
- Casper Wells RF
- Brennan Boesch LF
- Miguel Cabrera 1B
- Victor Martinez DH
- Jhonny Peralta SS
- Ryan Raburn 2B
- Alex Avila C
- Danny Worth 3B
Another important series coming up as Cleveland might be teetering. Can the Tigers can keep their AL Central record going well and put out the fires that the White Sox flamed on their Red Sox cousins? Let’s hope Oliver can get the off to a good start. Meanwhile Martinez and Peralta have had many bats against Buehrle along with a good avg.
This game is the MLB.tv free game of the day.
Not the most auspicious of beginnings for Ollie.
The Furby is already up in the bullpen, before the first out of the game
LOL FAIL
Oliver is all over the place. Reminds me of Dontrelle Willis.
Dontrolliver
I’m thinking Oliver’s stint in the Majors might be over as soon as Phil Coke is ready to comeback. He is all over the place tonight. And where is our offense? We need to capitalize now, with Cleveland seemingly starting to show vulnerability.
Yeah, we should be glad that Chicago doesn’t have a high powered offense. If we were playing Boston with Oliver on the mound pitching like he is today, we would be down by 10.
Thank you very much, Mr. Lillibridge
Andy “The Cat” Oliver…guy has 9 lives out there.
Raburn is always good a killing a good rally. How long of a leash does this clown have exactly?
Well…knew it was just a matter of time before his constant falling behind hitters was going to catch up. Hopefully we can get to the White Sox bullpen? How bad have they been this year?
The Ghost!
Boo! And I mean that in a good way…
Woo Hoo Casper!!!
Furbush!!! What is wrong with you!?!?! You are supposed to be reliable!!!
Don’t worry, we have Enrique Gonzalez warming up…
CHW- 22 LOB
Please Raburn Please I am begging you to get a hit!
It worked! Begging works!
So close, Avila nearly cleared them bases.
They don’t call him the RH Brad Thomas for nothing
A very good outing for Gonzalez. He lowered his ERA to 11.25.
UGH, SO BAD. shouldnt even be a joke. why are people this bad in the bullpen. ive berated brad thomas since he was put on the roster last year, dude hadnt pitched in like 2 seasons and had an 8 era or some crap in 2004. just stupid.
should really be a sore spot for dombrowski. hes usually a strong armed dude, these guys are just sucking
#upset