What's the best way to use a struggling, overtaxed bullpen? By barely using it at all, thanks to a dominant performance from your starting pitcher.
The Tigers staked a stellar Justin Verlander to a five run lead through seven innings, then added three more runs for mop-up man Robbie Weinhardt in the 8th. It all added up to an easy 9-1 Tigers victory over the hottest team in baseball, the White Sox. Even better, the Tigers ended the Sox's seven game winning streak, and finally got to act as spoilers. With the loss, the White Sox dropped a game to the Central leading Twins, falling 4 1/2 games out of first.
As for the Tigers in the Central...nah, let's not go there tonight, and revel in the whipping of the Sox!
The majority of the Tigers' offense came on a pair of home runs. Johnny Damon continued to show his love for all things Detroit by driving a two run homer to deep right in the bottom of the 1st. It's the first time Damon has gone yard since July 28. Brandon Inge started his September salary drive, smashing a three run homer in the 8th.
In between, Verlander was Verlander. He had his usual damn high pitch count (121 through seven innings), but was lights out all the same. The Sox could only muster five hits and the one run, while seven Sox walked back to the bench after Verlander struck them out.
If there was anything to be down about tonight (other than the the Tigers being 13 games behind the Twins), it's the health of Miguel Cabrera. The Tigers' MVP candidate had to leave the game after the 6th inning due to shoulder soreness. The official diagnosis is left shoulder bicep tendinitis. This is the same injury which caused Cabrera to miss time last week. He is listed as day to day, but after the game Jim Leyland said he was not sure when the Tigers' meal ticket would come back.
You know what that means, don't you? More of Don Kelly at 1st base.
Good Lord, this team can't get a single, solitary break when it comes to injuries...