64-55, 2nd place, 1.5 games behind CWS, tied for WC lead.

Yes, Prince Fielder had 2 HR and 4 RBIs last night, but let’s not overlook what Miguel Cabrera dud. He hit a jack in the 1st to put the Tigers up 1-0, and then got on base twice in front of Fielder HRs. And to think, he’s only 29. And the more Fielder hits, the better pitches Cabrera will see. Watch out.

For all of the whining that goes on around here about blown calls (much of it by me), we had two wrong ones go in our favor last night. First, there was the Markakis run that wasn’t counted. And secondly, the Peralta play. Last night was the first call that I have ever seen reversed at 1B. Seriously, can you remember another one? It looked like the umps took a great play away from Machado and Reynolds. The baserunner didn’t turn into anything, so no harm, but Reynolds looked to be on the bag. What I really don’t get is how in the world Machado was charged with an error on that play. The Reynolds ejection was baffling as well. What’s up with umpiring these days? If you missed it, check out the video replay of the Orioles tv guys calling the incident. Really impressed by their objectivity and knowledge of the rules.

Should we be concerned about Verlander? Not his best game…he couldn’t spot his fastball and he walked three guys in the third inning alone. 6 IPs is not like JV. Especially considering his career dominance against the Os.

Nevertheless, your Tigers have now won 3 in a row (5-5 in their last 10), and last night’s win kicked off a 14 home games in 17 games stretch. We’re 17-3 over our last 20 at home, so this could be the part of the schedule that propels us into first place. One year ago the Tigers were 65-58 and 2 games up on Cleveland. 17 games later they were 78-62 (13-4) and 6.5 games up. A 9-1 streak after that and the division was clinched. If that happens, we may see more of this. Tigers fans really are the best.

Porcello has not been good as of late. Though he’s 3-2 in his last 5, he’s got a 5.40 ERA and .329 BAA during those starts.

He’ll be opposed by Zach Britton. The lefty has was only called up after the All-Star break and has been getting hit pretty hard. In five starts he’s allowed 31 hits, 16 BBs and 21 ER in 23 1/3 for an 8.10 ERA. He doesn’t strike out many and his BAA this season is .313. But DY will be in full effect and the Tigers have routinely failed to capitalize on mediocre pitching. Could be a wild one out there.

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A few notes:

– The Tigers 8.31 K/9 (for the pitchers) is the highest rate in club history.

– The Tigers have 82 XBH over their last 21 home games. They are averaging 6.1 runs per game during that time.

– Prediction: Miguel Cabrera will win the Triple Crown.

Tonight’s This is What We Went Out and Got Jeff Baker For Lineup (though I wouldn’t mind seeing Berry inserted for DY as a defensive replacement in the 4th):

1. Jackson, CF
2. Infante, 2B
3. Cabrera, 3B
4. Fielder, 1B
5. Peralta, SS
6. Young, DH
7. Avila, C
8. Baker, RF
9. Dirks, LF