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Of course, they play the games for a reason. But attitude among some seems to be that any time the Tigers play at Fenway Park, it's pretty much a lost cause. Add a pitcher like Max Scherzer to the equation -- he of the bonus longball -- and the outcome was all but decided before the game. Or so the story goes.
Sometimes baseball takes these "everybody knows" moments and turns them on their head. Sometimes, not so much. The Tigers led, but could not hold their lead. Nor could they score more than three runs. You don't need the fancy math to figure this game out.
It started out well enough -- a leadoff home run by Austin Jackson. A double by Quintin Berry. Then the Tigers 3-4-5 stranded Berry. Boston did not share this squandering problem nearly so much, and took a 2-1 lead three batters into the bottom of the first. Whoops!
Omar Infante hit a triple in the third; and even scored on a single by Miguel Cabrera. Prince Fielder worked a walk to load the bases. Big inning threat? Never fear, Delmon Young grounded into a double play to end the inning.
That's when the Tigers took a different tack: You can't get stranded if you don't get on base. Boston kept scoring. The next nine Tigers meanwhile went down in order before Brennan Boesch reached on a strikeout. Alex Avila drove him in with a double. One run game.
Max Scherzer and Phil Coke teamed up to allow three more runs after that. Detroit wasn't coming back.
Written in the stars, I think they say.
For those who keep track of such things, as we are wont to do. The Tigers stranded five runners and went 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position.
3 ROARS
Austin Jackson - HR, walk
Omar Infante - Triple, walk
Alex Avila - double, drove in a run
3 HISSES
Max Scherzer -- Does not believe in shutdown innings; 7 hits, 5 runs allowed
Phil Coke -- 2-run homer
Delmon Young -- 0-for-3, GIDP, I don't care if he walked
GAME 101 POG
Jhonny Peralta hhit two HHR, won
P.S.
Twins will probably lose to the White Sox and send Detroit 2.5 out of first.
Update: I was wrong! Mark that down.