82-72, 1st PLACE!
Anibal Sanchez picked a prime spot for his best performance as a Tiger when he picked through the Royals lineup with ease, allowing only 3 hits in a complete game shut-out. Sanchez K’d 10 against only 1 walk. Sanchez had to be nearly perfect, because Chen was surgical, according to Leyland. Chen was great, but Sanchez was spectacular.
Ricky P returns from vacation just in time to start for a first place club. Things haven’t been going so well during his recent outings. The Tigers have not won in his last 7 starts, and Porcello has taken the loss in 6 of those. Though he’s hardly to blame. During that 7 game stretch Porcello has allowed more than 3 runs just once, and the Tigers are 0-5 in one-run games (remember, we’re on an 0-11 one run game streak). Porcello’s ERA has actually dropped (4.68 to 4.57) during this 7 game span. Porcello is 1-1 with a 3.46 ERA against the Royals this season, and 5-3 with a 4.50 ERA versus KC over his career.
Jeremy Guthrie has been fantastic for the Royals as of late, only allowing 6 ER in his last 36 1/3 (1.49 ERA) and posting 5 straight quality starts, including 7 1/3 of 1 run ball against the Tigers on August 30th – though the Tigers did have 10 hits. In two starts against the Tigers this season, Guthrie is 1-1 with a 3.48 ERA. Cabrera is 7-19 (.368) with 2 HR off of Guthrie.
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A few notes:
– Looks like ESPN has Bob Holtzman trailing the Tigers to cover the Triple Crown. He said that he asked Cabrera in the locker room if Cabbie was keeping an eye on Hamilton (on the TV), and Cabrera said “no, why would I? I’ve got a game to get ready for tomorrow.” Cabrera’s head is in the right place.
– Though I’m not sure if Leyland’s is…he was quoted yesterday as saying: “I’m surprised we haven’t won more games than we have. I figured this team would win somewhere between 90 and 95 games.” It’s a little disconcerting that the manager of the team is surprised by anything. It’s as if he’s not paying attention.
– The last two selections for the DTW post image have thrown 10 innings of 3 hit, shutout ball, FYI.
– Papa Grande has hired Scott Boras. Boras and Dombrowski have worked together over the years (Pudge, Maggs, Rogers, Fielder). Curious time to get a new agent.
– 4 Ks from Porcello would set a new season high (currently 104 in 2011).
Tonight’s 1st Place Lineup:
1. Jackson, CF
2. Berry, LF
3. Cabrera, 3B
4. Fielder, 1B
5. Young, DH
6. Dirks, RF
7. Peralta, SS
8. Avila, C
9. Infante, 2B
The correct lineup would be:
1. Jackson, CF
2. Dirks, RF
3. Cabrera, 3B
4. Fielder, 1B
5. Young, DH
6. Avila, C
7. Infante, 2B
8. Peralta, SS
9. Berry, LF
Porcello – the weak link in the rotation. I would hope, if we do make the playoffs, that Rick is the one relegated to the bullpen. Sanchez has certainly shown enough in his last several starts to place him solidly as the No. 4.
Some good ABs 2nite but lotta impatient ones too
What, did someone pass out gold gloves in the KC dugout before the game?
The AlAl train arrived just in time. If my opinion mattered, he’s replace the Potato as ‘the closer’.
going to try and squeeze one more inning out of Guthrie…98 pitches and counting
Bad time for Cabbie to go into a slump.
personally and collectively
Speedster Don Kelly pinch-running for Young.
CLE just tied CWS 3-3
Where did Dirks learn that?
Nice takeout on the dhouble play ball.
Wow actual small ball. This can’t be happening.
Valverde due for 3 line drives and fly out type of save. Seriously, there’s 8 guys behind him.
7-8-9 hitters for Papa, no excuse not to execute, and close this one out
Leyland: –7 and counting.
We just passed the soft belly of our starters and our bullpen rose to the call. Next we have Messrs. Fister, Scherzer, Verlander, and Sanchez! GO INDIANS!
Wouldn’t you love to see Al Al making hitters look silly in the 7th inning on a chilly October night?
Especially in NYC!
I’d like to see AlAl making hitters look silly in the 9th inning RIGHT NOW.
Post of the Game.
The worst part of the Leyland quote above was that he went on to say that if they won 8 of the last 9 games they would make it to 90. Wrong! He didn’t even know their record when he spoke.
Regardless, good win tonight. Let’s hope they keep this train going….
If they make it into the playoffs, I’ll be waiting for the “We haven’t done anything yet” line.
Leyland will be looking for a “sign here” flag.
If anybody wants to go over to the Indians/White Sox game and comment here, I am all eyes and ears!
Acta left Masterson in way too long – Sox up 4-3 in 5th.
We’re tied again with bases loaded and no outs!
Great 12-pitch AB by Santana.
Hafner GDP to end the threat. He is a mere shadow of his former self; so many injuries over the last few years. I think his contract is up at the end of the season and I bet he retires.
How about our boy Peralta ..recording his 4th actual highlight of the year he gets a game winning RBI by not hitting into a double play….that’s how bad a year he is having when this is one of his few highlights
In fact what are the chances of Avila and Peralta actually both getting an RBI in the same game….might not have happened all year..so huge day for the “do nothings”
White Sox have allowed 21 baserunners. God, they’re terrible.
You have got to be kidding me…Lillibridge with an Infante to extend the inning.
That was ridiculous. BTW, Kevin Youkilis is done.
Ballgame.
Seriously, White Sox are done. This will be over by Saturday. Rays much better.
The Sox won all four games against the Rays this season, though…
Do I sense some optimism stephen, perhaps even a little glee?
Optimism that the Tigers are better than the White Sox? Yes. The rest, not so much.
Is Leyland managing the Sox down the stretch??
Trout, Mauer and Hamilton all with 0 fors (Trout still playing).
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/detroits-max-scherzer-miss-next-145301501–mlb.html
“Detroit’s Max Scherzer to miss next start” – not encouraging… shoulder issues don’t usually clear up after just missing a start.