Games 7 & 8: Tigers vs. Royals

Game 7
Game 8

Game 7 stunk.  The Tigers lost 10-5 on terrible defense and not enough offense.  The pitching was not all that great either (15 hits allowed plus 5 walks).  Meh, there's nothing to see here (or much to write about either).

Game 8 was another example of how exciting this Tigers' team can be.  The pattern is well established by now- 1) don't get any hits against the opposing starter, but... 2) show patience at the plate (forcing the other team's starter to wear himself out) and wait for the bullpen to come into the game 3) punish the opposing bullpen 4) Profit!!!

This afternoon the Tigers were down 5-0 when they came up to bat in the 7th.  Thereafter started a hit parade: Carlos Guillen struck out, Inge walked, Laird (!) doubles (Inge scores 1-5).  That is the last of Bannister the starter, Colon comes in to stop the bleeding.  Scott Sizemore doubles in Laird (2-5).  Sanitago pops up for the 2nd out.  Ajax doubles in Sizemore (3-5).  That was it for Colon, pitcher #3 is Hughes.  Damon singles, Ajax to 3rd.  Maggs walks, bases loaded.  Cabrera takes a bases loaded walk, Ajax scores (4-5).  Carlos is back up again and doubles, Damon scores and Magglio scores (6-5).  Inge grounds out for the 3rd out. 

Count them up and you will find 4 doubles in there.You'll find another bases loaded walk (just like Sunday).  You'll see rookies (Ajax and Sizemore) getting big hits along with the vets (even Laird).  If there is one thing this team can do it is string together hits and walks for big rallies.  That 7th inning was the 4th big inning in this young season, not to mention the 5th time that they have come from behind in the first 8 games.

This stuff is awesome to watch (or recreate later if you're working during the game).  I don't know how long it can last.  The Tigers have only played against teams that they should be beating (Royals and Indians).  That means that they should not be in a position to need to come from behind so often (or at least that's what it SHOULD mean).  Once they start playing better teams this formula may not be sustainable, but for right now we know that this 2010 team is never out of the game.  (Year of the Tiger! indeed)

As of right now the Tigers are in 1st place (tied with the Twins).  One more game against the Royals and then it's off to Seattle for the weekend.

Games 4,5 & 6. Sweep!

Game 4 (Home Opener) Cleveland 2 Tigers 5
Game 5 Cleveland 2 Tigers 4
Game 6 Cleveland 8 Tigers 9

Tigers sweep! 

(there was a lot more written but it was sucked into the Ether.  It's gone, but the Wins stay on the record books.)  Maggs and Cabrera are the heros.