Tigers' questionable defense and dormant offense hand Twins a 5-1 victory

A list of things I hate:

1.  The Minnesota Twins

There is no number 2.  Nothing else comes close.

Regardless, I have a game recap to write, as the Tigers' 9 game road trip came to a fitful end this afternoon with a 5-1 loss to the Twins. Though I think the above admission of HATEHATEHATE pretty much says it all about any Tigers trip into the wilds of Minneapolis.

Today's loss gives me even more reason to despise the team that always has the Tigers' number at home. Always, be it in the late, unlamented Baqggiedome or in brand spanking new Target Field.

The Tigers ended their road trip against playoff contenders at 3-5, but today's loss droped the Tigers 1.5 games back of the Twins in the Central. More disconcerting is the fact the surging White Sox are only  .5 game behind the Tigers.  After tonight's action the Sox may find themselves in a tie with the Tigers for 2nd. 

On the bright side, and there is a bright side, the Tigers are only 1.5 games back of the Twins despite the losing record  on the road trip. Even better, there's 6 games upcoming in Detroit against the last place Mariners and Orioles, starting Friday night.

It's time to make hay in the win column.

As for the game itself, what's to say? It was as damn near as sucktastic as last night's loss.

Once Miguel Cabrera doubled home Magglio Ordonez in the 4th, the offense disappeared. The Tigers must have thought the alarm sirens going off at Target Field (ATTENTION! ATTENTION!) at the time were a sign they were to duck and cover, and pack it in for the afternoon. Packing it in is exactly what they did against Twins starter Kevin Slowey.

There were mild threats to score in the 8th and 9th, but as has been the Tigers' M.O. all season, they couldn't get a hit with RISP.

As for Sloweys counterpart, Tigers rookie Andy Oliver...he was...how should I put it?

Well, he was OK. Not great, but the kid did pitch well enough to keep the Tigers in the game. Although he got no help from his own defense. His throwing  error in the 5th led to a pair of unearned runs, breaking open what had been a tie game.

Oliver also received no help from his outfield defense -- I'm looking at you, Johnny Damon-- as Damon butchered a wind blown fly ball in the 6th, which became a Jason Kubel double. Kubel proceeded to score when Damon bobbled Michael Cuddeyer's single. 

Damon played both balls like a DH...which is where he should be getting all of his playing time. (Not that Jim Leyland is reading....but just in case....Uh, Jim? DAMON IS A DH!)  Not that it would have made any difference, as the Tigers weren't going to beat the Twins today.

At least the Tigers won't have to play the Twins for quite some time...an entire week.  The games will be at Comerica Park, where the Twins' mojo over the Tigers isn't as effective.

Thank goodness for small favors...