Through 7 complete, Ricky had given up three runs, struck out 5, walked none, thrown only 77 pitches and trailed 3-2.
Somehow, through a comedy of miscues and a timely Hunter single, the Tigers took a 4-3 lead in the top of the eighth. With the bases loaded and two out it was Ricky’s turn to bat. Then the unthinkable happened. Brad Ausmus pinch hit Rajai Davis for Freeway Ricky.
I don’t have the words to describe Ausmus’s lunacy. After 96 games you know what you have. Regarding the Tigers bullpen, you don’t have much.
For Ausmus’s edification, you have one reliable arm in the bullpen, Joba Chamberlain. You decided he wasn’t available tonight. That leaves you with nothing. And that’s what you got.
After Davis failed to deliver, Phil Coke came in to “relieve” Ricky in the bottom of the 8th. He retired the first batter on a line shot into his stomach then walked the next two batters.
In comes The Amazing, Everyday Al. Al gets a fly ball for out number two then walks the bases loaded.
In comes Ian Krol who surrenders a two run single and game over.
Did I mention Freeway Ricky had only thrown 77 pitches?
You (BA) child.
“God I love baseball.” -Roy Hobbs | The Natural
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Flashin' Leather 
Somebody send Joakim Soria a plain ticket. I can’t take much more of this! #SAD!
Another example of over-managing.. Very disappointed because I thought we were getting a guy who was going to step out of the box for a change… Pinch-hitting for Ricky was not only stupid, but the outcomes were very predictable.. Pinch-hitters do not have a high percentage of success… Coke, AA, Krol do not have a high percentage of success.. Ricky is actually the best hitting pitcher the team has, and has been the most consistent pitcher this season… It was his game to lose..
I couldn’t sleep after that game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If I could get an audience with BA here’s what I’d say: