KEY STAT
5 runs (4 earned) -- That's what Justin Verlander allowed while pitching just six innings. Perspective: In Verlander's previous seven starts, he gave up 5 runs (4 earned). During that span he pitched 56 1/3 innings.
KEY PLAY
Adam Dunn's 2-run single in the third gave Chicago a 3-0 lead. It doesn't sound like much, but there were two outs at the time.
OTHER KEY STAT AND MOMENT
Miguel Cabrera singled in the sixth inning, for the 1,500th hit of his career. He is just 28 years old. He hit a home run for his 1,499th hit. Guess that ASG scare was just a scare.
KEY THOUGHTS
In some ways tonight, the story was Justin Verlander, of course. But it wasn't entirely Verlander. In fact, it's hard to think of any run that scored on a hard hit. Some runs scored after a bunt, after an error by Ryan Raburn, after a bouncing ball that Raburn stopped with a dive. But nothing of great worry. Just nickeled and dimed to death I guess.
As always, the team would up fewer runs with better defenders. But no surprise there.
The Tigers did manage to get seven hits and two walks, but they were spread out enough that Detroit only had three at-bats with runners in scoring position. (They went 0-for-3).
Let's see, what else.... The Tigers' losing bullpen continued to be losers. Lester Oliveros and David Purcey combined to allow three runs in the seventh inning. Oliveros probably isn't going to be in the bullpen long term. In fact, earlier today Mark Anderson of TigsTown.com reported on Twitter Chance Ruffin will probably get a call this summer. He almost got it instead of Oliveros. A 2010 draftee, Ruffin was recently promoted to the Mud Hens. He has a 2.20 ERA with 53 strikeouts in 41 innings of minor league ball.
OTHER NEWS
Carlos Guillen was added to the 25-man roster, as I mentioned in an earlier post. Jim Leyland confirmed he will start at second base Saturday. Austin Jackson was a late scratch in the game, with Andy Dirks playing in his place. Jackson's wrist still hurts and still concerns the Tigers. (As it should.)
Al Alburquerque has returned from the disabled list as well. Danny Worth and Ryan Perry were both optioned to the Mud Hens.
Cleveland won.