KEY STAT
6 2/3 innings, 1 run, 4 hits, 1 walk, 6 strikeouts: Rick Porcello's line
KEY PLAY(S)
I was distracted by a puppy (who wouldn't be?) So I asked Twitter followers for their ideas.
@billfer: I'd say the Perry K in the 7th, but it shouldn't overshadow Porcello. So I'll say Wedge pitching to Miggy with an open base.
@stareagle: A-Jax getting a clean single. Maybe he'll get some confidence back.
KEY THOUGHTS
It was good to see Rick Porcello show he still has it. Of course we'd be in error if we didn't realize the Mariners' offense has the lowest batting average and second lowest OPS in the American League. But Porcello certainly gets credit too. He kept the ball down, got 10 ground balls, put some batters away. He succeeded at the task in front of him, that's all you can ask for today.
Winning this series on the road was obviously important. The Tigers took just two road trips all year in 2010. Now they have a winning record in one of two trips this season. Another decent trend: The Tigers are nearly at .500 for the season despite the fact they've played 13 of 19 games on the road to begin the year. That's the most road games of anyone in the division so far if you're counting.