Cabrera Explodes On Indians in 13-2 Win

Game in a Nutshell

After two straight wins over the Twins, the Tigers visited Cleveland tonight for the start of a two-game series with their arch-rival Indians. With Dontrelle Willis on the DL, Armando Galarraga was brought up to pitch. And pitch he did.

Things started out shaky for Galarraga, giving up a 1st inning solo home run to David Dellucci. Once he got that out of the way, it was all downhill for the 26-year old right hander. Galarraga pitched 6 2/3 innings, giving up only one hit and two runs getting the W.

But the pitching wasn't the only big story tonight for the Tigers. 2007 A.L. Cy Young winner C.C. Sabathia was on the mound, but he didn't phase the all of a sudden blazing Tigers bats. In the 2nd inning, Miguel Cabrera came to the plate after a Magglio Ordonez walk. Cabrera blasted his third home run of the season to right field and Detroit took a 2-1 lead.

In the 3rd inning, Cabrera was back at the plate with Polanco on and two outs. Miggy singled and the Tigers took a 3-1 lead.

We were just getting started with the offense, as the Tigers exploded for a 7-run 5th inning including more damage from Cabrera, who had a two-run single, and a grand slam from Edgar Renteria. It was 10-1 before we knew it and Tigers fans were able to sit back and relax for the first time this season. Detroit would tack on 3 more runs for a total of 13 on 17 hits, and Jason Grilli was brought in to pitch the final 2 1/3 innings.

An absolutely dominant performance from the Tigers tonight, with spectacular at bats and hard-nosed pitching from Galarraga.



Bullpen Watch


If there is ever the right time to pitch Jason Grilli, tonight was the night. With a 10-run lead, Grilli pitched the final 2 1/3 innings, giving up a couple hits and walk with one of Galarraga's batters scoring in the 7th. Only two hits in over two innings? We'll take that from Grilli every time. Things are a little easier with a double digit lead, though.

Concern Level: 6 out of 10




Today's Key Play


While tonight's game will be remembered for the seven-run 5th inning, it was Miguel Cabrera's two-run homer in the 3rd that gave Detroit a lead they wouldn't lose. Galarraga was able to relax after giving up the early home run, and Tigers hitters went ballistic on Sabathia. Just an amazing hitting display by Miggy tonight. So this is the MVP-candidate we paid so much money for, right? Right.




Tiger of the Game: Miguel Cabrera



Miguel Cabrera finished the night going 4 for 6 with five, count 'em, five RBIs and two runs scored. This is the Cabrera we've all been waiting for. When Cabrera is on, it doesn't matter who is pitching to him. Just ask last year's Cy Young winner. Sabathia was dominated by Cabrera tonight.