Hot 7th Leads Tigers Past Blue Jays 8-4

Game in a Nutshell

After falling behind by three runs in the 5th inning, the Tigers were able to rally for six consecutive runs in the next two innings before adding another in the ninth to beat the Blue Jays 8-4.

Kenny Rogers took the mound for Detroit, holding Toronto to four runs on three hits and four walks over 6 2/3 innings. The Gambler was unspectacular, but effective enough to give the Tigers bats a chance to take the game over in the later innings. Finally, Detroit scored some runs for Kenny, who had not received a single run of support in his first three starts this year. Aquilino Lopez, Denny Bautista, and Todd Jones combined to pitch 2 1/3 scoreless innings to close out the game and conserve the lead.

David Purcey started for Toronto, filling in for AJ Burnett who had to pitch in relief on Wednesday in their 14 inning game. Miguel Cabrera hit a sac fly in the 1st after a Pudge Rodriguez lead off double and Polanco and Ordonez walks to take a 1-0 lead. Purcey pitched well for the next four innings, and the Blue Jays pulled ahead behind a Rod Barajas home run in the 2nd and two more runs in the 5th.

The bats came alive in the 6th for Detroit, with RBI singles from Marcus Thames and Pudge to close the game to 4-3. Then in the 7th, Sheff and Magglio hit back to back doubles to start the inning, Guillen got on with an E-6, and Edgar Renteria blasted a two-run home run to the opposite field. The Tigers took a 7-4 lead and we were in good shape for the win. Renteria had another RBI in the 9th to finish the scoring for Detroit.

It looked like it would be another tough night for the Tigs until we woke back up in the 6th and put the game away in the 7th with some Renteria style at the plate.

Bullpen Watch


A top notch performance from my three favorite Tigers relievers tonight, who combined for 2 1/3 scoreless innings. Aquilino Lopez replaced Rogers in the 7th with two outs and a runner on first, getting a fly out to end the inning. Denny Bautista pitched the 8th, getting the first two batters and then walking Vernon Wells. The Big Hurt came to the plate and battled Bautista, but Denny didn't back down and froze him on a low inside fastball to strike Thomas out. Todd Jones pitched in a non-save opportunity, giving up two walks and looking like he couldn't find the strike zone with a telescope before calming down and getting the final two outs. I don't care how they do it; if our bullpen pitches scoreless innings I'm happy.

Concern Level: 6 out of 10




Today's Key Play


In the top of the 7th, the Tigers has just taken a 5-4 lead after Carlos Guillen had reached on a fielding error by shortstop John MacDonald. Edgar Renteria came to plate with a runner on and a chance to keep a rally going to put the Blue Jays away. Renteria hit a first pitch fastball high into the right field stands to give the Tigers a 7-4 lead to take control in Toronto. A big time swing by our new shortstop.




Tiger of the Game: Edgar Renteria



Not only did Edgar Renteria hit the gigantic two-run home run in the 7th, he also hit an RBI single in the 9th to finish 2 for 4 with a walk and three RBIs. Edgar is now batting .309 on the season and has been a spark plug as a second leadoff-type after the meat of our order. Renteria definitely seems more comfortable batting 7th than he did batting leadoff earlier in the year. It can't hurt to have the pitcher he's facing square off with Maggs, Miggy, and Carlos before him each at bat.