:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/7113130/20120525_sal_aj5_050.jpg)
Behind a powerful offense, something we've seen very little of in 2012, the Detroit Tigers pounded their way past the Minnesota Twins 10-6, ending their 3 game losing streak.
The game in a nutshell? The Tigers hit Twins' pitching hard, long and often. Most impressively, they were 9-16 with RISP. No wonder they won, huh?
When the Tigers hit as they are capable, they can overcome the defensive lapses which are bound to happen. When the Tigers hit, the pitchers have a much needed safety net. When the Tigers hit, you don't need your starting pitcher to toss a 1 hitter or strike out 15 batters in order to win. When the Tigers hit, they can play with anyone in baseball. When the Tigers hit, they'll win games in bunches. When the Tigers hit, they are a contending team.
When the Tigers hit, it makes for a relieved fan base.
The bats finally came alive, at least for one game. The Tigers need make it 2 in order to get the "Haven't won consecutive games in 5 weeks" monkey of their backs.
A couple of quick shout outs before roars and hisses.
Drew Smyly had a rough start, but settled in from the 2nd inning on, retiring 11 of 12 Twins at one point. Though his stats took a hit due to shaky defense and the pen allowing an inherited runner to score, Smyly ended up tossing 5 solid innings.
Quintin Berry continues to impress. He reached base 3 times, bunted for a single, scored a run and stole a base. He has been your classic lead off man, and is now hitting .333. Will he continue to play this well? I doubt it, but as long as he does so until Austin Jackson returns, I'll be fine. But if Berry does continue to contribute timely offense combined with speed and defense, he'll make it awfully hard for the Tigers to send him down. But we'll cross that bridge when Jackson is deemed healthy enough to play.
3 ROARS:
Alex Avila: His 10 pitch at bat in the 2nd inning, battling back from an 0-2 count, ending with a 2 RBI double, was the best I've seen from any Tiger this season. 2-4, 2 2B, 3 RBI, 2 R
Brennan Boesch: First come the doubles, then come the home runs. Peppered the right field wall at Target Field with long fly balls. 3-4, 2 2B, 2 RBI, 2 R.
Prince Fielder: With the Twins taking the bat out of Miguel Cabrera's hands, Fielder came through with big hits. Just like we thought would happen when he was signed. 3-5, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 R
BONUS ROAR:
Team offense: 16 hits, 6 for extra bases, 10 runs, 3 walks, 2 stolen bases, a trio of 2 out RBI base hits. Where the Hell has this been?
3 HISSES:
Brayan Villarreal: Made good pitches, but self-immolated thanks to his own defensive miscues.
Jhonny Peralta: His botching a 1st inning double play sent the Tigers down the wrong track. 0-4 will always get you a hiss as well.
Team defense: It was bad. Really bad. Cover your eyes bad. The Tigers gave the Twins a couple of innings worth of extra at bats, thanks to their stumble bum tendencies on defense.
BONUS HISS:
Jose Valverde: Was fine on the mound, but was guaranteed a hiss for his ridiculous goatee. Whomever told him dyeing his facial hair the same color as a sweet potato did Papa Grande no favors.
GAME 44 PLAYER OF THE GAME:
As the only Tiger deserving of consideration, Justin Verlander received 100% of the vote.