A change of scenery did not change the outcome for the Detroit Tigers. For the second straight day the Tigers used the formula of an offensive explosion and solid starting pitching to improve to 3-0 on the year. Detroit set a record slamming 7 HRs against Texas, which is the most they have ever allowed. They also tied a record going yard 6 times on the starter R.A. Dickey. The poor guy is trying to develop a knuckleball at the major league level. Needless to say it may need some work.
There were a number of positive signs for the Tigers from their pitching staff. Nate Robertson was solid going 5.1 innings giving up 3 runs on 8 hits. He also struck out 3, but more importantly did not walk any batters. Nate pitched out of trouble in the first getting out of a first and third one out jam with a double play. Robertson gave up a run in the fourth and two more in the fifth.
Robertson gave way to Jordan Tata, the youngster who has never pitched above A ball. Tata did well in his major league debut. He got the final two outs to end the 6th and pitched a scoreless 7th and 8th. In the 9th he appeared to run out of gas walking two and loading the bases with one out. Rodney came in for the final two outs. He struck out Brad Wilkerson for the second out, but gave up a bases clearing double to Michael Young. Tata was responsible for all three runners. So in his debut Tata went 3 innings giving up 3 runs on 2 hits. He struck out one and gave up 2 free passes after tiring in the 9th.
Brandon Inge started the game off with a bang hitting the second pitch for his second HR in as many games. Not to be out done Magglio Ordonez hit his first of the year and the fun proceeded from there. Maggs ended up with 2 bombs as did Chris Shelton, who now has 4 HRs in the first three games. Craig Monroe hit his first home run of the year and Marcus Thames starting for the first time this season hit his second home run in only his third AB. Somewhere in Livonia rmayer went nuts. Ordonez singled in another run and the final run scored on an error. 24 runs the past two games is quite the offensive explosion for the Tigers.
Other promising signs besides the offense is the fact Detroit does not have any errors so far this season. I realize it is early, but they were the worst team defensively last year. The other thing is the starting pitching again was solid in picking up the victory and allowing only three runs. Hopefully the performance of the starters will continue as they compete with each other. The other thing is another young pitcher looked sharp. If Rodney gets Young out at the end Tata could have went three scoreless. These things bode well for the future of the organization.
*** OEs 3 Stars of the Game ***
#3 Brandon Inge – 2-4 with a HR, 2 runs scored and one RBI
#2 Chris Shelton – 3-4 with 2 HRs, 2 runs scored and 2 RBI
#1 Magglio Ordonez – 3-5 with 2 HRs, 2 runs scored and 3 RBI
