Christmas in July: Tigers Sweep Doubleheader

by Ian Casselberry on Jul 25, 2009 12:20 AM EDT in Detroit Tigers News

Maybe the Tigers were a day late with their "Christmas in July" promotion? Yesterday's 2-1 loss to the Mariners was like getting socks for a present. Old, dirty socks. But today, the Tigers brought out the big boxes with the shiny gift wrap, and showed that they're not giving up the AL Central without a fight.

Placido Polanco hit a combined 4-for-6 with three RBIs in the two ballgames. In Game 1, he put the Tigers on the board first with a third-inning sacrifice fly. (Where were those over the last five games?)
Not only did Justin Verlander shut down the White Sox in the first game, holding them to one run and six hits (though he did issue four walks). But he also made sure the pitching staff didn't get tapped out by throwing a complete game (finishing off the game with authority, dialing up a couple of 100 m.p.h. pitches). And the bullpen was needed in the nightcap.
In Game 2, with the score tied at 3-3 in the seventh after a good enough start from Eddie Bonine, Bobby Seay, Brandon Lyon, and Fernando Rodney each pitched a scoreless inning and struck out five of the 11 batters they faced. (Only Seay allowed a hit and walk.)
I admit I was skeptical about what kind of contribution Carlos Guillen could make this season. But Guillen showed the Tigers may not have been that desperate to rush him back so fast, after all, batting a combined 3-for-7 in the doubleheader, with a home run in that second game.

Those few highlights don't seem to do enough justice to what was a big day for the Tigers. Maybe it was an overreaction to feel so low and panicked after losing two of three to the Mariners, scoring only one run in each of those losses, and there are still two games to be played this weekend. But the Tigers had to show a pulse in this series, some fight, and sweeping a doubleheader from their closest division rival makes quite an opening statement.

Comment of the Day:

The Tigers have four runs...?

I thought they were only playing two games today?

by Mushy

Comment of the Night:

After the game, yes. But still in the thread.

SOMEONE IN THE BACKGROUND IS PUTTING ON HIS PANTS

by kendra.michelle

And just in case you need a reminder how big today was:

AL Central Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Detroit	51	44	.536	0	Won 2
Chicago	50	47	.515	2	Lost 2
Minnesota	48	48	.500	3.5	Lost 2
Cleveland	38	58	.395	13.5	Won 1
Kansas City	37	58	.389	14	Lost 10

(updated 7.24.2009 at 11:21 PM EDT)

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Comments

Guillen

If Carlos can be a .300 hitter with some occasional pop, play a little outfield… oh and stay healthy, he’’ll be a huge boost

by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jul 25, 2009 12:45 AM EDT reply actions

That is a lot of “if’s” that I doubt come to fruition.

Fire Jim Leyland

by Mike Rogers on Jul 25, 2009 12:57 AM EDT up reply actions

I like the fact that we'll still be in first place after the weekend!

Because, frankly, I wasn’t sure that was going to be the case. Today was a good day.

Official BYB Juju Consultant...now accepting rally creature applications!

by ahtrap on Jul 25, 2009 2:05 AM EDT reply actions

I am wondering

Now that Carlos is back, does anyone think it may encourage Magglio to pick up the pace? If for no other reason, that they are close friends? Friends can make a huge difference.

Welcome to Detroit>>Where the weak are killed and eaten.

by Detroitchik on Jul 25, 2009 2:33 AM EDT reply actions