Tonight, we have what could legitimately be called the BIGGEST night in Detroit sports history. (Much helped by the idiots running the NHL and NBA)
On Detroit's riverfront, at The Joe, our Red Wings face the Pittsburgh Penguins in game 1 of the NHL's Stanley Cup Finals. 30 minutes up I-75, the Pistons play game 3 of the NBA's Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics at The Palace. Both are huge games with massive implications for the Detroit teams. Go Wings! Go Pistons!
Lost amongst the hoopla, I hear there will be a baseball game going on at Comerica Park. as well.
Yes, amongst all the highly hyped playoff action, the Detroit Tigers are taking on the Minnesota Twins in game 2 of their 3 game series.
The Tigers lost last night's matchup, 9-4, in what all accounts say was an all too familiar loss. Namely, bad starting pitching (Galarraga), worse relief (Willis, Lopez, Seay), a sputtering offense (The usual suspects) and mental mistakes (Thames). Same old, same old.
I was out last night, so I wasn't able to see all that much of the loss, catching the occasional play while hanging with friends at the corner watering hole. From everything I've read, it sounds as if I made the right choice.
The Tigers will try to get back on the winning track behind the arm of Nate Robertson (1-5, 6.08). The Twinkies counter with BOOF! - The pitcher otherwise known as Boof Bosner (2-5, 5.25). It's not the most stirring pitching matchup, as BOOF! hasn't won since April, and Robertson has lost his last 2 decisions.
The Tigers' first pitch is at 7:05, the Red Wings drop the puck at 8, Pistons tip off at 8:30. If you're lucky enough to be one of he venues, have a great time! If not, have your remotes at the ready.
Short hops:
Joel Zumaya and Fernando Rodney both pitched in an extended spring training game Friday in Kissimmee . The news both are now throwing off of a mound in game situations is excellent news. Even better is the fact Zumaya hit 98 mph on the radar gun, and Rodney 94 mph. Catcher Vance Wilson also participated, but left the game after a throw to 2nd aggravated his surgically repaired elbow.
Today Denny Bautista begins his minor league injury rehab assignment in Toledo. He's been on the DL since May 3 with right shoulder tendinitis.
The Tigers have Samara so out of sorts at Roar of the Tigers, she's writing run on sentences, and making LOLcats.