New York Yankees 7, Detroit Tigers 6, and thousands of Tigers fans left in considerable pain. I don't know what to say about this loss. What a lousy topper on what's been a miserable day for Tigers fans.
I vented somewhat in the snap reaction. My blood pressure has finally lowed to survivable levels, so let's try bullet points.
- Justin Verlander allowed 2 home runs. That rarely happens. And yet, he left with lead, which is even rarer, after being charged with 5 runs, 4 earned.
- The Tigers' offense finally found holes in the opposition defense for the first time in a week. Their luck, on offense anyway, seems to be turning.
- Why did Don Kelly break in on Raul Ibanez's line drive? The Wizard said the ball was in the lights. Maybe the Tigers' luck isn't changing just yet.
- Alex Avila had a game to forget...forever. 0-5 at the plate, grounded out with the bases loaded and 2 out in the 6th, allowing the walk off passed ball in the 9th. One suggestion. Don't go to a Midtown Manhattan bar to try and forget your troubles.
- I was encouraged by the Tigers' defense play early in the season. Now, not so much. The Tigers are regressing closer to a level we feared on defense. And you can't blame Miguel Cabrera for a misplayed line drive and a passed ball.
- If you are going to lose a game, might as well do it in bizarre, soul crushing, blooper reel fashion. Doesn't get more bizarre, soul crushing, blooper reel ready than 2 walks, a wild pitch and passed ball in the bottom of the 9th. The entire Tigers fan base did a facepalm.
- The Tigers are not out of the race 20 games into the season. They are .500, only a game out of first place in the Central. Hell, the Los Angeles Angels are 6-14, in last place in the West at 9 games out. With that insane payroll. Now that's reason to be upset. I'll put it this way. We could be fans of the Kansas City Royals or Minnesota Twins. Perspective, everyone.
For the nuts and bolts recap:
Yankees 7, Tigers 6 Snap Reaction: Tigers give game away on walk off passed ball
One win will lift our collective funk. Go to bed, sleep the loss off. Tomorrow is a new day...and a new game.
3 ROARS
Austin Jackson: 4 H, 2 RBI, 2 R.
Brad Eldred: 2 H, 1 RBI in his Tigers debut.
Prince Fielder: 2 H, 2 RBI
3 HISSES
Late game walks: They make me want to pull my hair out, and I can't afford Mike Ilitch's toupee maker.
Late game wild pitches: Where's the rusty spoon? I need a lobotomy so I can wipe the 9th inning from my brain.
Walk off passed balls: OK, that's just the baseball Gods trolling us.
GAME 19 PLAYER OF THE GAME
It's Miguel Cabrera in, well, a walk off.