Tigers 6, Angels 2: Reyes, Rodriguez and a rally goose

We’re not a hundred percent sure whether last night’s rally goose was a blessing or a curse. The Tigers got incredible production from unlikely sources again on Thursday, but also continue to suffer injuries at an alarming rate. However, they beat the Angels 6-2 on Thursday, so we’ll take it.

The Tigers jumped all over Andrew Heaney in this one. Consecutive doubles from Nicholas Castellanos and Jeimer Candelario made it 1-0 with a quickness. A single from John Hicks plated Candelario. Another hit-by-pitch for JaCoby Jones and an infield single for Ronny Rodriguez—the first of his major league career—loaded the bases for Victor Reyes, and he came through with a shrieking triple up the left-centerfield gap to clear the bases.

Meanwhile Ryan Carpenter was handling the powerful Angels’ offense without much trouble. Carpenter struck out Mike Trout twice, in case you’re still doubting this ludicrous goose mojo. Unfortunately, Carpenter had to leave the game in the fifth with an oblique strain after surrendering a solo shot to Jose Briceno. Currently, there are many more Erie SeaWolves pitchers on the Tigers’ 40-man roster than there are at Toledo, so we may see some interesting moves in the days ahead.

Meanwhile, the Tigers were forced early on to turn to middle relief, who...

...did a pretty nice job again! Warwick Saupold gave the Tigers two perfect innings or work, and Louis Coleman continued his recent roll with a perfect inning of his own, along with a pair of strikeouts from the side-armer.

The Tigers plated another run in the sixth. Victor Reyes doubled, and Niko Goodrum followed suit with a double of his own two batters later to drive him in. Production came from all corners of the Tigers’ offense in this one and it was wild to see.

Of course, Jeimer Candelario and Nicholas Castellanos had their say as well. Castellanos had three hits for the second day in a row, continuing the batting title pace—yes, we see you Jose Altuve, don’t make us sic this goose on you—he’s set since converting to right field. Candelario, however, had a fine day at the plate, but took a ball off his left wrist and had to leave the game with a contusion. The rally goose is a double-edged sword people, and not to be trifled with.

Joe Jimenez found this out the hard way in the eighth inning. Jimenez has been masterful all month, but the Angels managed to get to him this time. Ian Kinsler is enjoying his old ballpark, and racked up his ninth hit of the series with a leadoff double. Trout plated him, but the Tigers managed to hold Trout to a single, which was key. Jimenez erased him on a double-play ball off the bat of Justin Upton, and got a groundout from Albert Pujols to avoid any other trouble.

The Tigers mustered a threat in the bottom half of the frame but couldn’t convert, so they turned to closer Shane Greene with a four-run lead in the ninth. He allowed a single to Andrelton Simmons, got two outs, and then walked Luis Valbuena. Greene rebounded to punch out Jose Briceno, and another win was in the bag.

Honk if you’ve heard these before

Ok the injuries are getting out of hand here. Come on.

The Tigers are all in on their new mascot. I’m telling you it’s a TRAP!!!

Even the Tigers PR department got in on the action with their press release headers.