Detroit Tigers at Toronto Blue Jays
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Monday, April 16, 2007
By Cory Smith
The Detroit Tigers (7-5) finished their four game series with the Toronto Blue Jays (7-5) on a 2-1 loss Sunday, settling for a 2-2 series tie.
Detroit struggled throughout the game. The Tigers connected
with the ball just three times and scored their only run of the game in the
first inning on an error committed by Blue Jays pitcher B. J. Towers. Curtis
Granderson was able to steal third on a wild pitch that actually hit Granderson
square in the back, and though most would have been content staying at third,
Granderson was given the green light to round third and slide in at home to
score the lone run for the Tigers.
The Royals answered right back in the second inning and nearly scored two runs on a single by Adam Lind. An off the mark throw to home by Curtis Granderson let Lyle Overbay advance to second base which putt runners on third and second. Lind’s single sent Frank Thomas home to score, but as Overbay rounded third Granderson heaved a powerful throw that, this time around, was most accurate. The Blue Jays would be held to just one run, keeping the game at a 1-1 tie.
The next four innings went 1-2-3 for the tigers, who couldn’t manage another hit until late in the seventh inning - their third and final hit of the game.
In the bottom of the seventh Robertson put the go ahead run on base with a double, and that was all the Blue Jays could ask for, as John McDonald singled to right field to send in the game winning run.
Josh Towers of the Blue Jays held the Tigers to just three hits, one unearned run, and struck out 4 batters in all of eight innings. Nate Robertson tallied up his first loss on the year, allowing seven hits, 2 runs, while striking out five in seven innings.
Players of the Game
Detroit – P Nate Robertson – 7 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 SO, 97-59 PC-ST
Toronto – P Josh Towers – 8 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 SO, 97-60 PC-ST
The Tigers just didn’t have it today, but this caps off a 10 game road trip from Kansas City to Baltimore, that finally finished in Toronto. The Tigers went 6-4 in that stretch, winning each series against the Royals and Orioles 2-1. The Tigers have split 3-3 on the season against Toronto with one game left in September (rescheduled due to a “cold” out on April 5th). This game, though far and away, could have implications as large as deciding who makes the playoffs between the Blue Jays and Tigers. The game will determine who has the edge if both teams happen to be fighting for the wild card and have identical records. It’s a stretch, but a possibility nevertheless. Both teams have an equal chance at claiming a playoff spot this year.
The Tigers play at home Monday April 16, against the Kansas City Royals, beginning a 6 game homestand against the Royals and White Sox. Verlander, who is still looking for his first win on the season, will start for the Tigers - with a thirst for victory.
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