The Tigers took the rubber game of this series courtesy of Max Scherzer and Alex Avila.
Max pitched more than well enough to get his 20th win this season but his offense, once again, hung him out to dry. Max pitched seven strong innings. He allowed only one run on a solo shot from Alex Gordon. He struck out 12 and walked only one.
Max left the game leading 2-1 but lost his 20th win when Drew Smyly surrendered the tying run in the top of the 8th. However, Smyly surrendering the tying run isn’t the story of this game. The story of this game, and the season, is that the Tigers’ offense BLOWS!
Let me be clear, I don’t care what the statistics say, this offense is pathetic. As a team the Tigers left 10 runners on base. Individually, Martinez left 4 on base and Dirks and Infante left 5. I can’t wait for Peralta to get back to see what he can do in left field. It is hard for me to believe that he’ll be worse than Dirks.
Max Scherzer picked Emilio Bonifacio off of first base in the first inning continuing the Tigers’ recent success of shutting down the opposing running game. In fact, this is the third game in a row that Tigers pitchers have picked off a base runner.
What can I say about Alex A Squared Money Avila? He’s hit .313 since the All-Star break and accounted for all three Tigers runs today. He hit a two run homer in the bottom of the second to give the Tigers an early 2-0 lead and a solo shot in the bottom of the 8th to break the 2-2 tie and give the Tigers a much needed series win.
I wonder if Jim Leyland is second guessing his decision to have Nick Castellanos pinch hit for Avila in the 7th inning last night? Although I forgot to mention it in the post, that was one of the worst moves I’ve seen JL make.
The Mariners come to town tomorrow.
“God, I love baseball.” – Roy Hobbs | The Natural
Flashin' Leather 
You’re right about this offense. Didn’t watch any of this one, but I see they had 13 hits.. But only 3 runs on two homers. That about sums up the season, and will be the excuse when they get bounced in the first round by Oakland. I really hope I’m wrong.
I hear a lot of people talk about how strong the Togers starting pitching is.. But our offense is the great equalizer for the opposing team. We’re capable of making the lesser pitchers look equal to our starters.
Like I said I hope I’m wrong and we get on another playoff roll. I just don’t see it.
Sark, this offense is so irritating. The only reason the number look good is that they are skewed by those games when the Tigers put up 16 and 10 runs.
Oh you people who post on here…….I declare what are you thinking? KC is playing for it’s life and the team that left 10 guy’s on base was just lucky to win ’cause the pen couldn’t hold a lead? Just wait till October there are 7 Wings home games if you think you will have time?