Game 17: Rogers Centers Tigers Win at Rogers Centre

The Gist: After squandering more than a few chances early in the game, Tigers hitters teed off in the sixth and seventh innings for six runs on their way to an 8-4 win over the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Kenny Rogers pitched 6.2 innings allowing only three hits and four earned runs for his first win since July of last season. Edgar Renteria went yard in the seventh with a three-run homer. Gary Sheffield's woes continue: he left five men on base.

The Quote: "Taking a major plunge this week are the two AL Central favorites: Detroit (to No. 27) and Cleveland (to No. 23). But with only 16 games down and 146 left to play, who really cares, right?" -- From ESPN.com's Power Rankings for April 18.

The Stat: 7. The number of walks allowed by Toronto starter David Purcey -- none of which turned into Detroit runs. (Purcey was sent down to Triple-A Syracuse after the game.) Another stat worth noting: 6.43. The average ERA of the Tigers' five starters. Tops: Jeremy Bonderman, 4.58. Pits: Dontrelle Willis: 7.20. Yikes.

I'm Just Sayin': When Denny Bautista struck out Frank Thomas looking for the last out in the seventh, I wondered when the last time he'd gotten a hit against the Tigers -- his disappearing act in the 2006 ALCS still fresh in my mind. Reading the game preview on BlueJays.com I found this tidbit:

Including the American League Division Series against the Tigers in 2006, when Thomas was with the A's, he's hit just .165 (11-for-67) versus Detroit over the past two years.

And there you have it.

Up Next: Tigers at Blue Jays

Jeremy Bonderman (1-1, 4.58) vs. Dustin McGowan (0-1, 3.71)

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