This is gonna be a quick recap because Kurt's sick and I, uh, have never written one before. I'm also recovering from a Sunday afternoon edition of the Rod Allen Drinking Game that a couple of us played during this final home game of the season.
Rick Porcello pitched the way everyone hoped he'd be pitching all year, allowing only four hits with five strikeouts and excellent command. A Delmon Young homer in the 4th inning was the only run allowed.
Ramon Santiago hit his third homer, a surprising no-doubter three run shot. Ryan Raburn made a great catch in foul ground that I'm sure everyone pictured bouncing off his glove.
Watching this game it was hard not to keep saying "This could be (name player here)'s final at bat in Detroit." If you're a sap like me, it was also hard not to tear up a bit, thinking about it. Then Miguel Cabrera had to go and hit his 38th home run of the year, a career high. Then the fans at the park had to start chanting, "M-V-P!". It's that kind of stuff that reminds a serious fan how awesome baseball really is.
There was a faint hope that Porcello would get a shot at his first complete game, but Jose Valverde returned to the mound for the ninth, making his first appearance since September 15th. Even though there are not many games left this season (oh jeez, only 7 more games), it was nice to see him pitch a perfect inning to close out the game. Hopefully he's good to go.
This 52nd win at home marked a new record for the Tigers. Even though they aren't going to the playoffs, that's a pretty awesome (and fun!) consolation prize for the fans.