Game Post

Game 2014.86: Tigers 14, Dodgers 5

20 Comments

Better late than never, right? As Justin Verlander said. Sometimes real life can annoy.

I can count on one hand the number of times I saw a team go into the bottom of the 1st with a 5-0 deficit, and have the question come up a few innings later: are they violating unwritten rules by stealing bases? (Anybody but Smilin’ Torii Hunter, and somebody is getting plunked).

Two quick observations: 1). The American League is just a lot better than the National League, especially the pitching. Really? Yes, really. Not just because of the inter league record (96-85 the last time I checked), but because of…je ne sais quois. As far as the pitching, well, I’m sure Moneybeane took this into account with the trade for Samardizija, but NL pitchers get one free out (often a K) every 9 batters, which has an effect greater than one ninth. I can actually quantify it, but that is expressly prohibited by my non-disclosure agreement. The second is 2). The better the team, the better the Tigers seem to play, which is frustrating, but encouraging for the postseason, right?

OK, 3rd thing: you know that thing the Tigers never do, where they bury a team when they have them down: they done did it!

This would seem to be an enjoyable game to do a post-game post on, but I have to wait. Apparently in the Pacific time zone, the Tigers are still batting.

Seriously though, it was an enjoyable game to watch considering it was a blowout, because Verlander didn’t quit pitching once the Tigers got down 5-0, and and the Tigers didn’t stop scoring runs once they got ahead (which was probably wise: see 1st inning). And we even got to see what I really really hope is Cabrera’s last triple of the season. He slid like a mountain bike that lost a tire. Playing hard and having fun though, that’s the way to go.

 

 

20 thoughts on “Game 2014.86: Tigers 14, Dodgers 5”

  1. Ian Krol just scored a bunch of points with his teammates. Tough shot off the leg, didn’t blink and made a perfect throw, then finished the inning like nothing happened. PWT’s (Points With Teammates) are only worth so much, but it sure doesn’t hurt.

    1. For my part, I’m glad he didn’t get hammered. With runs. I was hoping the shot off the leg would knock him out, though.

      1. You are probably right. I may be imagining things. But I think I saw something there, with the little adrenaline spike. I think he may have the stuff, but lack the attitude. Maybe he should start sprinting from the bullpen (joking! just joking!).

  2. What an unexpected recovery. The Tigers usually seem to nod off if they fall behind by 3+ early. Wow. Big challenge by Ausmus in the 2nd. Huge.

    Great fun to watch the Tigers offense go nuts, but you know what sticks in my mind in games like this? The failure to score even more because of DP grounders with multiple men on. Hunter and Kinsler tonight. Can’t complain, and yet I have to.

    Verlander skates. 4 good innings, 2 not so good innings. Bravo for getting him out after 6.

    Strike zone was downright weird tonight. What’s Mattingly’s story? Was he telling his own hitter that he was blind?

    Paul Maholm is the Man With The Woman Face. I always wanted to say that when he was with the Braves. Better late than never. Also, I’m convinced Dee Gordon is really a lizard. There’s no doubt that Alfonso Soriano is a lizard. Alciedes Escobar *may* be a lizard, but I’m still leaning toward zombie.

    Great to see Chris Perez again. Too bad he got lifted before Avila hit a HR off him, because that was going to happen. I felt it in my bones.

    Greinke tomorrow. Are there any hits left?

  7. The Tigers usually take the next game off after a game like this and the prospect of facing a good pitcher. Hope not, but we see this over and over and over. Especially when putting in alot of effort, like today…instead lets keep pounding the ball guys!!!

  8. A few thoughts.

    1) Jose Altuve has two more base knocks tonight against the Rangers. That he’s only hitting .341 is amazing, b/c since I’ve taken notice he’s hitting about .780.

    2) That Dodgers lineup is scary from a name recognition perspective.

    3) I’d hope the Tigers sign 50 Cuban players in the off-season.

    4) If there’s a cut guy on the Cabrera triple he’s toast. I have no idea where the cut guy was, neither did Puig. Cabrera is such a smart baserunner that I’m guessing he picked up on this.

    5) The Dodgers have some guns in the outfield man. How is that team only 10 games over .500?

    6) Man do I hate Juan Uribe. Verlander was one awful 0-2 pitch away from a pretty decent outing.

    7) 12-17 RISP. Let’s remember this when we go 1-17 here soon.

    1. Astros > Rangers. How’d that happen?
      Prince Fielder: PR Person’s “your mission, if you choose to accept it…”

    2. Altuve is also on pace to steal 71 bases. So far he is Kenny Lofton circa 1996 (.317, 75 SB).

  9. I am pretty sure we all are clear that this is my dream WS match up. Was in Oregon all day, so sat down to watch the first inning on dvr, and after the 5 spot, almost erased the rest of the tilt. But, then the Detroiters score two TDs and 2 xtra points! That was some pinball baseball early on there. Need research help: did Donny Ballgame and Mr. Smarty ever play together? Seems like there is some bad blood/ gamesmanship there. On a personal note, I coached a Mattingly (cousin??) in Legion ball .. he went on to play Pac 12 Football at Washington State, good kid, grandsons adored him.

    2. Mattingly played for the Evil Empire his entire career. Smarty is too smart to do such a thing.

  10. Miggy sits today with Kelly taking over 1B. Still no V-Mart. With the bats likely taking the day off because of getaway day game + the absence of MC & VM, Scherzer needs to toss a shutout I think.

  11. Is there such a chance of” zero to score.”..no VMart… no MCab…the Grienke factor…glad I have a lot of yard work to do…hopefully my TIVO watch later if they win magic works

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