The Tigers go for fatality tonight to the tune of MK’s “Finish Him.” Ubaldo Jimenez was good yesterday, but just not good enough. Doug Fister posted a career high 13 Ks leading to an 80 Game Score (matching a career best) as he dominated the Indians. The Tigers, whom generally received a yawn from the pundits shortly after the trade deadline, are now regarded as the trade deadline winner. I think it’s safe to say that Fister, Betemit and Young were all wins.
The buzz in Cleveland is that the season is already over and according to Cool Standings, Detroit’s playoff odds are at 97%. But a win tonight would make me feel much better about things.
Rick Porcello auditions for the final spot in the playoff rotation tonight (assuming we get there). His last one didn’t go so well.
A few notes:
– MLB.com’s contest insurance company is sweating this one out…some guy may beat the streak.
– Danny Worth called up today. Look for him to make an appearance in a key situation that he’s not prepared or qualified for.
Jackson is tonight’s pre-game player of the game, as I don’t want to believe that regular AJax is back just yet. He’s 4-14 lifetime off of Carmona.
Tonight’s Series Clinching Lineup
1. Jackson, CF
2. Dirks, RF
3. Young, LF
4. Cabrera, 1B
5. Martinez, DH
6. Avila, C
7. Peralta, SS
8. Kelly, 3B
9. Santiago, 2B
Well… this is a decent start to the game
Looks like we’re showing some killer instinct tonight. Finish them! Hope Porcello is ready for it too!
That was Young’s first BB as a Tiger.
Wow.
Yep, batting .300 with a .301 OBP at gametime – must be a HBP in there.
Looks like a Cleveland pitching clown show. They are showing it’s over, like Chicago on Sunday.
It ain’t over ’til it’s over.
I guess JaKson’s hot streak is over.
I’m very concerned about this.
0-4 in the 5th. He may need a day off.
i’m not watching the game, but i see where there is a 60% chance of rain in CLE tonight, and there are delays and/or its raining all over the east… any chance they won’t get in at least 5 innings tonight (because of the weather)?
Miggy closing the gap for BA lead – now at .332.
did Mario just say what I thought he said, in response to Rod saying he had gone out to dinner with a gentleman and ‘no he didn’t pay’??
Oh man….Coke could ruin this….
Scratch that, well done.
Really pumped about that double by AJax. Good way to go out.
JV tomorrow for the sweep. WOW.
Great win! Al was looking pretty good with the first two, but kinda fell apart…Perhaps he just needs to knock of the rust?
If you haven’t already – check out Nick D’s interviews with some Whitecaps players, including Nick Castellanos.
http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2011/09/whitecaps-interviews/
Did anyone else notice how deliberate and consistent Porcello’s delivery was? Wasn’t very fluid, but seemed to be the most repetitive that I can remember seeing in a while.
Minor mechanical tweaks? If so, that would be great – it seems to have worked for Scherzer.