J.D. Martinez and Miguel Cabrera power Tigers with back to back home runs

Well we can be sad, as a beautiful partnership appears set to end, or we can revel in the ongoing display of combined power we’ve enjoyed over the past 4 seasons. On Saturday, with the Tigers trailing 1-0, J.D. Martinez and Miguel Cabrera asserted themselves in the third inning to turn the game around. It still feels good to beat up on the Indians.

Martinez’ shot was his 14th of the year, as he continues to provide outstanding power production, no matter where he is in the lineup. And you don’t get much better protection batting third, than to have Cabrera hitting cleanup. Manager Brad Ausmus, perhaps belatedly, has really gotten loose in terms of shaking up his lineup in recent weeks.

For Cabrera, the solo shot was his 11th of the season, and third of the week. Whether it’s the warmer weather helping his back, or the pounds he’s shed early in the season, the big guy appears to be rounding into form. Picking on a low pitch and turning on it with serious authority has to be seen as a good sign.

We’re not likely to see this classic display of power for much longer, so we’ll savor it while we can.