The Tigers have now won seven in a row for the second time in 2006 and sit 20 games above .500. The Cleveland Indians provided the latest victim for the Tigers. Nate Robertson picked up his fifth win with another quality start. Detroit’s offense supported Nate with plenty of runs.Curtis Granderson paced the offense with five RBI. That was the most runs batted in for Curtis in a single game. Marcus Thames started the scoring in the second with a RBI single and Granderson followed later in the inning with a two run single. Cleveland cut the lead to one run with two in the top of the sixth. However, the Tigers responded with four runs in the bottom of the inning. Inge hit a sac fly to make it 4-2. Detroit loaded the bases and Granderson cleared them with a triple. The Tigers added an unearned run in the seventh on a throwing error by Sizemore.
After six solid innings from Robertson the Tigers turned to the bullpen. Jason Grilli pitched two scoreless innings and Jamie Walker added a scoreless ninth. Over 31,000 fans witnessed the first game of a ten game home stand for the first place Tigers.
*** OEs 3 Stars of the Game ***
#3 Marcus Thames – 1-3 with 2 runs scored, 1 BB and 1 RBI
#2 Nate Robertson – Win (5), 6 IP, 7 Hs, 3 Rs, 2 ERs, 1 BB, 2 Ks, 1 HR, 3.02 ERA
#1 Curtis Granderson – 2-5 with 5 RBI
On Tap – Game 49 (34-14) v. Cleveland Indians (23-24) May 27th, 7:05 ET
Justin Verlander (6-3, 2.70) v. Paul Bird (4-3, 5.92)