BASEBALL

The Tigers won and forced the ALCS to return to Texas.  We arrived at the game later than we usually do since it was a 4:19 start that really started at 4:19.

Justin Verlander went 7 1/3 innings and threw 133 pitches on a day when the bullpen consisted of Phil Coke.  (Well, Brad Penny, Daniel Schlereth and Ryan Perry were technically available.)  He did give up a 2-run home run to Cruz just before he was pulled so having him go in the 8th may have been a mistake.  Of  course maybe Cruz would take anyone deep the way his series has gone.   Coke got the last 5 outs.  His ninth inning was what you would expect from a Detroit closer.  But he despite three base runners and one run he did finish the game.

The most fun part was the Tigers 6th.  It started with a Raburn single.  then Cabrera doubled on a ball that bounced off third base and went over Beltre’s head.  Martinez tripled when Cruz dove for a ball and missed.  I certainly would not have predicted a Martinez triple before the game.  Young completed the natural cycle by hitting his fifth home run of the playoffs tying a Tigers record.

Another fun part of the game was when an obviously hurting Avila hit his first post-season home run.

I have such optimism that I finally printed the print-at-home tickets I bought for next Saturday.  Don’t make me waste that 35 cent investment in ink and paper, Tigers.