Well, here we are, the 2nd big Tigers-Royals series of the season. The last time they played the Royals crushed the Tigers the first two games, then the Tigers valiantly saved a series split behind great pitching by Price and Sanchez. And guess what? The way the rotation lines up the Tigers lead off with Price and Sanchez, so I’m looking for a better start to this series.
It’s hard to say enough about what Kyle Lobstein did last night. For a #6 starter for the team, he has been far beyond what anyone could have realistically expected. Most importantly, he has pitched efficiently, logging 7-plus innings for 3 consecutive starts now, and sparing us for the horror of the Blowpen attack. Thumbs up for the Lobster.
Right-handed Victor Martinez is in full Dr. Jekyll mode now, banging out hits while the left-handed Mr. Hyde, well, makes you want to hide. So tonight he will try batting right-handed against the right-handed Ventura. Just kidding! Because, you know, he’s a switch-hitter.
In other news, the JD Martinez bat has been seen displayed on milk cartons in the Detroit area.
Tonight’s Royal Pain Lineup:
- Anthony Gose, CF
- Ian Kinsler, 2B
- Miguel Cabrera, 1B
- Victor Martinez, D
- Yoenis Cespedes, LF
- JD Martinez, RF
Alex Avila, CJames McCann, C- Nick Castellanos, 3B
- Andrew Romine, SS
Jose Iglesias is still all groinish. Moustakas is out for KC with family issues; let’s wish him well.
Avila was announced as the catcher in the official lineup, and yet…that guy behind the plate is McCann. Hmm.
I did not know that: Anthony Gose is the 4th most valuable Tiger in terms of WAR, after Miguel Cabrera, Ian Kinsler, and Jose Iglesias. Pretty impressive for a platoon player!
Lettuce score some runs!!
This is what happens when you give a leadoff 4-pitch walk to a guy who hasn’t had a hit in about a month.
Kinsler is due for a homer.
Still due.
Ok a double will do for now.
Hey I know, let’s run on contact, that always works, right?
Maybe we will see our first extra innings game of the year? KC’s bullpen is stretched.
Come on Romine. Bush league!
That bone head play could force Price to make an early exit.
Allow me to state the obvious: miggy needs to come through here.
Does anybody know why the flag is flying half-staffed at Comerica?
Mourning for JD’s bat? No, I actually don’t know, haven’t heard anything.
I set myself up for that one!
Governor ordered it for a Navy Seal from Livonia, who died in a training accident.
This is a great game. I hate great games. Why couldn’t this have been a blowout win?
Price had a strange line: 4ER, 13 hits, 0 BB, 1K
No drama with Soria. But these Royals v. Tiger games are beginning to follow the Red Sox v. Yankees template for time of play.
Gose + Kinsler for the win!!!!
Nothing quite like a walk off bunt.
Sweet! Makes up for that Chicago debacle. Back in first place!
A wouldn’t call it pretty but a win is win!
We pulled one out of the fire tonight! A good start to the home stand.
Does anyone know the extent of DP’s injury?
http://beck.mlblogs.com/2015/05/09/david-price-injured-hamstring-slipping-on-bat/
If I had to guess, I’d say Price will probably miss a start, which will be taken by Buck Farmer.
Which also just emphasizes what a godsend Kyle Lobstein has been–try to picture this rotation without him and with Price getting hurt.
There are no bad wins!
JD is chasing the MLB record for going 0 for the month and still staying in the line up. I Mean you can’t play Goss and Davis at the same time can you !!!!
0-25…unbelievable really!!!
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2015/05/09/alex-avila-disabled-list/27036457/
Avila out indefinitely – i suspect Alex will be working as a coach or front office guy within the next two years.
Guess we’ll see what McCann is made of over the next month