The Tigers beat the Phillies 12-4 today sweeping the weekend series.
This was one of the strangest games I’ve witnessed. The Tigers fell behind early and it looked like they weren’t going to score many runs. They failed to score after loading the bases with nobody out in the bottom of the third.
What made this game strange?
- With the bases loaded, two out and Miguel Cabrera at bat, home plate umpire Chad Fairchild, ejected Miggy from the game for arguing balls and strikes.
- Matt Tuiasosopo replaced Miggy, inherited his two strike count, and got caught looking to end the inning.
- In the bottom of the 6th and the scored tied at 3, the Tigers scored 8 runs, all unearned, on two hits, and three Phillies errors.
For me the key to the big inning, and the game, was Victor Martinez’s at bat in the bottom of the 6th. This was one of the better at bats I’ve seen from a Tiger all year. With three runs already across and two out, Victor worked a walk, driving in the fourth run of the inning with an 11 pitch at bat. He fouled off 5 pitches with two strikes. This allowed Jhonny Peralta to step to the plate and hit a grand slam that broke the game wide open and effectively put it out of reach.
Ramon Santiago had 3 hits including two bunt singles. Prince Fielder is concerning me a little. He was 0 for 5 with 11 runners left on base and his batting average is down to .261. This could become a real problem if it continues.
The Nationals are in town Tuesday.
“God, I love baseball.” – Roy Hobbs | The Natural
Flashin' Leather 
That’s a good sweep for the Tigers.
Sean
http://breslanta.com
Quite the good weekend series, although the Phillies look completely overmatched. I just assumed they skipped Lee in the rotation because he is to be traded soon. Stiff neck my ass!!
Not much to complain about in this one, so I think it’s time to applaud the starting pitching for the Tigers, as they are really taking form now – top to bottom. If Verlander can ever get his act together they are going to be very formidable down the stretch. And they’re going to need to be dominant in order to hide the serious flaws this team has – bullpen and hitting depth. Fielder looks lost at the plate, and we might know Peralta’s fate later this week.
Need to finish out this home stand strong ahead of a tough road trip.
Sark, I’m concerned about both Fielder and Peralta too. I’m watching Sunday night baseball and Buster Olney said Peralta is one of the ones whose been watched closely. If Peralta’s gone and Infante’s injury continues to linger, that gives the Tigers holes at 2nd, Short and at least one corner outfielder.