It’s always relaxing to watch one of those never-in-doubt games, but it’s even more fun to watch a game that starts out doomed, becomes a game again, and ends a never-in-doubt romp.
I was the last person who thought that there would be any coming back from the 5-run Justin “Don’t Call Me Bonderman” Verlander first inning, especially after struggling to score runs against Tampa Bay, but they got the 5 right back in the 2nd, and Verlander kept them off the board for 5 innings. Yes, the first inning was troublesome, but the recovery was comforting (he only gave up one hit over his last 5 innings). Focus on whichever aspect suits you best.
Everybody seemed to get into the act, except for the enigmatic Austin Jackson. Cabrera, Castellanos, Hunter, and JD Martinez each had 3 hits.
Martinez continues to amaze. He has raised his batting average to a team-leading .331, leap-frogging the resting Victor Martinez, and taken a team OPS lead at 1.017, which would be best in the American League if he had enough at bats to qualify. He went on a June tear: .345 / 1.069, with 7 home runs and 21 RBI. The hot streak will stop eventually, right? Well you may have to keep on waiting: so far his July is making his June look downright weak: .429 / 1.341 and 3 home runs in only 28 at bats. You almost hate to see the All-Star break interrupt that stuff.
Today the Tigers have the quick afternoon turnaround (which is always more pleasant after a good night game), and a chance to sweep the two-game mini-series. Ausmus is going with the “maybe we can even score with this lineup” route, and resting Miguel Cabrera, in favor of the fierce bat of the Donkey. Hey, it’s only Greinke, right? Kelly is 3-for-8 off of Greinke lifetime.
Then it’s Kansas City here we come, for four.
Don’t miss this pointless bit the Night Shift of the Research Department dug up from TMZ. DO miss this bit of ex-Tiger news.
Today’s Let’s See How Many THESE Guys Can Score Lineup:
- Jackson, CF
- Kinsler, 2B
- Hunter, DH
- JD Martinez, RF
- Kelly, 1B
- Castellanos, 3B
- Avila, C
- Suarez, SS
- Davis, LF
Comments
21 responses to “Game 2014: 87 Dodgers at Tigers”
Scherzer facing his future teammates here?
I’m guessing St. Louis Cardinals.
Donkey Time!
Donkey on fire.
I would have had Casty bunt there, on the theory that we are not going to score much against Greinke. Shows you what I know.
On the other hand, I would have had Avila bunting there on the theory that he strikes out too much. Shows you what I know.
Really bad strand there. Jackson has got to put the ball in play. Would have been nice to counter there run with one of our own.
I guess Davis should have stolen home.
Why does Ausmus persist in having Austin Jackson lead off? In my opinion he’s the worst hitter on the team(among regulars). He just ‘feels’ like an automatic out. Frustrating to watch.
1. He needs the ABs to get him going.
2. The only way to get out of a slump is to hit your way out.
3. etc.
Austin’s hot streak must be underway. I don’t think he’s had 2 XBH in the same game all year.
And Nathan with two consecutive games without giving up a run! They’ve righted the ship. World Series here we come!
Enigmatic, he is.
Do you mean Jackson, Nathan, Avila, Verlander, Coke, or Kelly?
Wow, an intentional walk to Kelly. Can’t be many of those in his MLB career.
Hold on everyone.
No sweat.
That was easy. And now on to our quest for best road record in baseball (currently tied with the Dodgers).
Bonus win on a give away game day….thanks Max..Donkey…AJ….Joba…and even Joe!!!
Don’t forget defense by Davis and Suarez and Avila’s pitch framing.
Whoa Nelson! Didn’t realize it was a day game today. This will be fun to watch. Suspense is overrated.