BASEBALL

The Tigers acquired Doug Fister from Seattle for Furbush, Wells and their best third base prospect, Martinez.  They probably also included Smyly or Ruffin in the deal.  They also got a reliever in return.  This meant that they only needed one more start from their committee of fifth starters.  Rather than use Coke, Oliver or the expected starter Below they called up Jacob Turner from Erie for a spot start figuring this gave them the best chance to win.  It almost worked.

Turner went 5.1 innings.  He walked 3, but struck out 6.  He could not control the running game, 5 steals, so the Tigers will work on that with him in Toledo.  Still he was able to strand the runners.  When he left the game it was 1-1 with a runner on first.  Phil Coke promptly gave up a double, intentional walk and hit batsman to put Turner on the hook for his first loss.  The Tigers could not get any more runs on Dan Haren and lost 5-1.

I had sold my tickets to this game so my dad and I bought standing room tickets.  We got a shaded spot even with first base on the lower level.  These were great “seats” on a warm day.   The most memorable moment was probably the standing ovation Turner received as he left.  He pitched well, but the ovation was probably partly for what he did today and partly for what the crowd hopes he’ll do the next few years.