Bless You Boys - Game 20: Royals at TigersA detailed list of nope about the Detroit Tigershttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47585/default.png2013-04-25T21:33:25-04:00http://www.blessyouboys.com/rss/stream/40300952013-04-25T21:33:25-04:002013-04-25T21:33:25-04:00Overanalysis: Breaking down Bruce Rondon's debut
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OPuQDZIMzCSP0OE6Of6G4Izln1o=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12219095/20130425_ajl_aa1_018.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The box score of today's game will tell you that Bruce Rondon had an ERA of 9.00 and a blown save in his major league debut. Let's go a little deeper into Rondon's afternoon.</p> <p><span>Bruce Rondon's</span> call-up to the major leagues has been largely overshadowed by <span>Jose Valverde's</span> return to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a>, but the 22 year old made an impact in his major league debut today. Unfortunately, a blown save isn't the kind of impact that Rondon and Tigers fans wanted or expected. However, there are some good things to take away from his debut as well.</p>
<h4>The good</h4>
<p>One thing that got lost in the rubble following the bullpen's implosion is that Rondon's command looked as good as we have seen so far in 2013. He didn't allow a walk and executed his pitches pretty well.</p>
<p>Here, he throws an inside fastball to <span>Billy Butler</span> on a 2-0 count that Butler is able to fight off into right field for a single.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1575515/rondon_butler_4-25-13.gif"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1575515/rondon_butler_4-25-13.gif" class="photo" alt="Rondon_butler_4-25-13_medium"></a></p>
<p>This is Billy Butler being Billy Butler, killer of all things Tigers. It's hard to fault Rondon here.</p>
<p>Next, Rondon blows a 99 mile per hour fastball by <span>Eric Hosmer</span>, then jams him with a well-located slider in an 0-2 count.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2534987/Rondon_Hosmer1_4-25-13.gif"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2534987/Rondon_Hosmer1_4-25-13.gif" class="photo" alt="Rondon_hosmer1_4-25-13_medium"></a><br id="1366937028392"></p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1575539/rondon_hosmer2_4-25-13.gif"><img alt="Rondon_hosmer2_4-25-13_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1575539/rondon_hosmer2_4-25-13.gif"></a></p>
<p>This is the type of command that Rondon was lacking during Spring Training, and it bodes well for future outings in Detroit. If he is able to hold Dyson on first (more on that below), this is a double play ball.</p>
<h4>The bad</h4>
<p>After Hosmer's groundout, Rondon had a runner on third (Dyson) with one out. He throws a pair of 100 mile per hour fastballs that <span>Lorenzo Cain</span> is late on, but is able to foul off.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2535207/Rondon_Cain1_4-25-13.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Rondon_cain1_4-25-13_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2535207/Rondon_Cain1_4-25-13.gif"></a><br id="1366938772399"></p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2535279/Rondon_Cain2_4-25-13.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Rondon_cain2_4-25-13_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2535279/Rondon_Cain2_4-25-13.gif"></a><br id="1366939189595"></p>
<p>On the 0-2 pitch, Rondon throws a slider that Cain lines into center field for a sacrifice fly.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1575581/rondon_cain_4-25-13.gif"><img alt="Rondon_cain_4-25-13_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1575581/rondon_cain_4-25-13.gif"></a></p>
<p>In this situation, Rondon needed a strikeout. It doesn't make sense for Rondon to throw a breaking ball after Cain was so late on the fastball. Part of this is on <span>Alex Avila</span>, who dictated what pitches Rondon threw today.</p>
<h4>The ugly</h4>
<p>Rondon, like nearly every Tigers reliever, had a lot of trouble holding runners on base. Pinch-runner <span>Jarrod Dyson</span> didn't waste much time, swiping second base on Rondon's second pitch to Eric Hosmer.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1575497/rondon_dyson_4-25-13.gif"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1575497/rondon_dyson_4-25-13.gif" class="photo" alt="Rondon_dyson_4-25-13_medium"></a></p>
<p>The big issue here is Rondon's timing. He takes a look at Dyson, then goes into his cumbersome motion. Dyson gets a great jump and steals second without any trouble.</p>
<p>Later in the inning, <span>Mike Moustakas</span> swiped third base without a throw on Rondon for his first steal of the year.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2534845/Rondon_Moustakas2_4-25-13.gif"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2534845/Rondon_Moustakas2_4-25-13.gif" class="photo" alt="Rondon_moustakas2_4-25-13_medium"></a><br id="1366936243392"></p>
<p>Rondon is definitely part of the problem here, but the rest of the Tigers infield is also to blame. Prior to the pitch, Moustakas looks around and takes off with Rondon's first movement. Either Omar Infante or <span>Jhonny Peralta</span> needed to make a better effort to hold Moustakas on in this situation, and Rondon needs to do a better job of checking on the runner.</p>
<p>Rondon's debut didn't go as well as we would have hoped, but I think there are enough positive signs -- especially compared to his work during Spring Training -- to be comfortable with him coming out of the Tigers bullpen in future outings.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/25/4267356/overanalysis-bruce-rondon-mlb-debut-good-bad-uglyRob Rogacki2013-04-25T17:51:11-04:002013-04-25T17:51:11-04:00Forget the bullpen, it's all about Austin Jackson
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<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The bullpen had issues, but the Tigers' vaunted offense disappeared because Austin Jackson stopped hitting. </p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Detroit Tigers</a> bullpen was not at all good this afternoon, but the offense was the biggest reason behind this loss.</p>
<p>So what has happened to the offense? Austin Jackson stopped hitting.</p>
<p>The Tigers' lead-off man has just two hits in his last 33 at bats, including an 0-for-26 stretch, striking out 12 times with only three walks. Jackson was hitting a season-high .393 with .956 OPS after game one of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lookoutlanding.com/">Mariners</a> series. He's down to .277, his OPS dropping under .700, after today's loss.</p>
<p>Jackson is in a brutal, brutal slump. So is the Tigers' offense. It's not a coincidence.</p>
<p>But let's' not let the bullpen off the hook. Here are their totals from today - Bruce Rondon, Phil Coke and <span>Darin Downs</span> combined for three innings, six hits, six runs, four walks and a wild pitch.</p>
<p>Doesn't get much worse than that. But it's just one game and <span>Jose Valverde</span> is back, right? RIGHT?</p>
<p>Good thing the best team in baseball, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Atlanta Braves</a>, arrive for a weekend series. Wait...what?</p>
<p><b>WIN PROBABILITY GRAPH:</b></p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.fangraphs.com/graphframe.aspx?config=0&static=524089&type=livewins&num=0&h=450&w=450&date=2013-04-25&team=Tigers&dh=0" style="border:1px solid black;" frameborder="0" height="450" scrolling="no" width="450"></iframe><br><span style="font-size:9pt;">Source: <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/livewins.aspx?date=2013-04-25&team=Tigers&dh=0&season=2013">FanGraphs</a></span></p>
<p><b>BULLETS:</b></p>
<p>Today's reason for the Tigers fan base to complain: <span>Don Kelly</span> playing left field and batting seventh. That's not so bad. Donnie Baseball could have been batting third.</p>
<p>Something else to keep in mind, all managers do much the same thing. For example, <span>Brandon Inge</span> was batting second for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/">Pirates</a> today. (HEAD ASPLODES)</p>
<p>There was short rain delay, the game finally starting at 1:38 under cloudy skies and the temperature in the low 40s. Spring in Michigan, everybody!</p>
<p>Austin Jackson ended an 0-for-26 streak with a first-inning double. His last previous hit was in the eighth inning of the 14-inning marathon in Seattle on April 17.</p>
<p><span>Justin Verlander</span> helped set a team record with his second K of the day in the third.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>With Verlander's 2nd strikeout, the <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Tigers">#Tigers</a> have 190 as a staff, tying last year's modern era club record for April strikeouts.</p>
— Matthew B. Mowery (@matthewbmowery) <a href="https://twitter.com/matthewbmowery/status/327484987278516225">April 25, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>Verlander Killer <span>Billy Butler's</span> career average against the Tigers' ace rose to .407 after his third-inning RBI single. He would single again in the fifth, his average up to .418. Good Lord, Justin. Just walk him.</p>
<p>From the game thread, courtesy of send'emhomegene.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The lineup card of Verlander's nightmares<br><br>1. Billy Butler<br>2. Billy Butler<br>3. Billy Butler<br>4. Billy Butler<br>5. Billy Butler<br>6. Billy Butler<br>7. Billy Butler<br>8. Billy Butler<br>9. Billy Butler</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Wanna see Cabrera's hot spot?</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Here's <span>Miguel Cabrera's</span> hot/cold cha-OH MY GOD LOOK AT THE BOTTOM RIGHT <a href="http://t.co/pJEbqDOqjQ" title="http://twitpic.com/clvsom">twitpic.com/clvsom</a></p>
— Detroit4lyfe (@Detroit4lyfeRob) <a href="https://twitter.com/Detroit4lyfeRob/status/327489502627115009">April 25, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>Lynn Henning likes the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.royalsreview.com/">Royals</a>.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Speed: It's why K.C. will be tough all season. Swinging bunt, SB, set up first run. Cain beats out grounder, later hustles to 3rd, scores.</p>
— Lynn G. Henning (@Lynn_Henning) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lynn_Henning/status/327492266446950400">April 25, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>Speed? Going by Henning's description, luck is what will keep the Royals in the division race. Speed is nice, but small ball won't win jack in the AL.</p>
<p><span>Victor Martinez</span> doesn't agree with your strike zone. Neither does Mr. Fox Trax.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2533295/strikezone.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Strikezone_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2533295/strikezone_medium.jpg"></a> <br id="1366917564276"></p>
<p>Martinez vigorously and strenuously made his unhappiness known. It was to no avail.</p>
<p>Despite making an awful decision to send Martinez in yesterday's game, Jim Leyland just shrugged Tom Brooken's mistake off, calling it, <a target="_blank" href="http://opoutofleftfield.blogspot.com/2013/04/leyland-on-vmart-being-sent-wednesday.html">"Just a good, old-fashioned brain cramp."</a> One mistake should not define a third base coach. Good thing, as Brookens remained aggressive today, paying off with a couple of runs.</p>
<p><span>Bruce Rondon's</span> debut was full of good and bad. He threw 18 pitches, 12 for strikes, three over 100 miles per hour. But he also allowed a run, three hits, two stolen bases and cost Verlander a shot at a win. The foundation is there, but there's also work to do.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Didn't get to see Rondon, but sounds like it went how I'd expect. Has stuff; needs to learn how to use it. Won't happen in Toledo</p>
— Paul Wezner (@TigsTown) <a href="https://twitter.com/TigsTown/status/327511629803700224">April 25, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>The top of the ninth was textbook use of Phil Coke. He faced four batters, three of them left-handed, one right-hander sandwiched in-between. Coke pitched around the righty (issuing an intentional walk) and got all three lefties out. That is exactly how Phil Coke should be used, people.</p>
<p>Too bad the top of the 10th happened.</p>
<p>After the game, Verlander says he was pulled in order to keep the blister on his thumb from becoming something which could affect him down the line. Verlander was confident all is well and will make his next start.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Come on, it's not that big of an issue."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>I'll give Eric, aka <span>Phil Coke's</span> Brain, the final word on this train wreck.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>I don't know how beat writers do their post game stories for games like this. Like doing an autopsy on a cow that was hit by a bus.</p>
— Eric Wayne (@PhilCokesBrain) <a href="https://twitter.com/PhilCokesBrain/status/327528566524882944">April 25, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p><b>TWO ROARS:</b></p>
<p><span>Torii Hunter</span>: Two hits and an RBI was the best offensive performance by far.</p>
<p>Justin Verlander: This tweet says it all about the Tigers' ace and the bullpen, who deserved far better than a no-decision.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>In Verlander's five starts, he has given up 8 runs (7 earned) in 32.1 innings. The bullpen has given up 14 runs in 13.2 innings.</p>
— Bry Mac (@Bry_Mac) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bry_Mac/status/327528940522598400">April 25, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p><b>THREE HISSES:</b></p>
<p>Phil Coke: Looked great in the ninth. WHAT HAPPENED?</p>
<p>Darin Downs: Gordon's grand slam just passed over my roof here in Lake Orion.</p>
<p>Bruce Rondon: Rookie mistakes are frustrating, but can be corrected.</p>
<p><b>GAME THREAD ROLL CALL:</b></p>
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<thead><tr>
<th colspan="2">Roll Call Info</th>
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<tbody>
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<td width="150">Total comments</td>
<td>653</td>
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<td>Total commenters</td>
<td>43</td>
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<td>Commenter list</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Alex%20Baker">Alex Baker</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BadCompany22">BadCompany22</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Chadster">Chadster</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DetroitSports">DetroitSports</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Fielder%27sChoice">Fielder'sChoice</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Grant%20E.">Grant E.</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Grzesio">Grzesio</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/H2OPoloPunk">H2OPoloPunk</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/J_the_Man">J_the_Man</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Keith-Allen">Keith-Allen</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Kurt%20Mensching">Kurt Mensching</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/MakeItTrizzle">MakeItTrizzle</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Matthew%20Malek">Matthew Malek</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/MotorCityCat">MotorCityCat</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/N*W">N*W</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/NCDee">NCDee</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Nonsuch%20Ned">Nonsuch Ned</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Ohio%20Tiger">Ohio Tiger</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Parisian%20Tiger">Parisian Tiger</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/RedWingedLigerFan">RedWingedLigerFan</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Rob%20Rogacki">Rob Rogacki</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SAchris">SAchris</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SanDiegoMick">SanDiegoMick</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ShowingBunt">ShowingBunt</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Singledigit">Singledigit</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SpartanHT">SpartanHT</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/TheLegacyofJordanTata">TheLegacyofJordanTata</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/bowling255">bowling255</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/datamonger">datamonger</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/j16941">j16941</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/keaganizer">keaganizer</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/knucklescarbone">knucklescarbone</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/lesmanalim">lesmanalim</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/mrsunshine">mrsunshine</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/mtchyg">mtchyg</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/onepartloss">onepartloss</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/rbbaker">rbbaker</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/redwingxviii">redwingxviii</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/sactwnsteelr">sactwnsteelr</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/send%27emhomegene">send'emhomegene</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/stevenyc">stevenyc</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/steveo1ives">steveo1ives</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/thanantos">thanantos</a>
</td>
</tr>
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<td>Story URLs</td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/25/4264702/game-20-royals-at-tigers-1-08-p-m">http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/25/4264702/game-20-royals-at-tigers-1-08-p-m</a></td>
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</tbody>
</table>
<p><br><b>TOP TEN COMMENTERS:</b></p>
<table>
<thead><tr>
<th>#</th> <th>Commenter</th> <th># Comments</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SanDiegoMick">SanDiegoMick</a></td>
<td>72</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SpartanHT">SpartanHT</a></td>
<td>45</td>
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<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Alex%20Baker">Alex Baker</a></td>
<td>45</td>
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<td>4</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Rob%20Rogacki">Rob Rogacki</a></td>
<td>43</td>
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<td>5</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/N*W">N*W</a></td>
<td>41</td>
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<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Singledigit">Singledigit</a></td>
<td>40</td>
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<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/sactwnsteelr">sactwnsteelr</a></td>
<td>37</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/TheLegacyofJordanTata">TheLegacyofJordanTata</a></td>
<td>29</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Matthew%20Malek">Matthew Malek</a></td>
<td>29</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/stevenyc">stevenyc</a></td>
<td>27</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><b><br>TOP RECS:</b></p>
<table>
<thead><tr>
<th># Recs</th> <th>Commenter</th> <th>Comment Link</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Chadster">Chadster</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/25/4264702/game-20-royals-at-tigers-1-08-p-m#158567647">you just don't want it enough</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SanDiegoMick">SanDiegoMick</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/25/4264702/game-20-royals-at-tigers-1-08-p-m#158581331">good joob boys, another quick inning by JV</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><b><br>GAME 19 PLAYER OF THE GAME: </b></p>
<p>Who else but Papa Grande? Thanks to what was likely a combination of "Welcome back" and "Thank God you didn't blow the save," Jose Valverde carried the vote with 43%.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/25/4266776/detroit-tigers-kansas-city-roiyals-verlander-thumb-bullpen-coke-downs-rondon--austin-jacksonAl Beaton2013-04-25T17:14:02-04:002013-04-25T17:14:02-04:00Royals 8, Tigers 3: Bullpen bullied
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mDB7wnJOtWbvsgUep-DpV0l05KE=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12152015/20130425_ajl_aa1_001.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>As bad as the Tigers' bullpen looked, their offense was worse in a 10-inning loss to the Royals.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.royalsreview.com/">Kansas City Royals</a> battered the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Detroit Tigers</a> bullpen for six runs over the final three innings to win going away in extra innings 8-3. The Royals earned a split of rain-shortened two-game series.</p>
<p>Staff aces for the Tigers and Royals, <span>Justin Verlander</span> and James Shields respectively, were not around to get a decision. Verlander was pulled after seven innings with cracked skin on his pitching thumb and is listed day-to-day. Shields would pitch eight innings, allowing all three Tigers runs.</p>
<p><span>Phil Coke</span> (0-2) was tagged for four runs in 1 1/3 innings, taking the loss. <span>Tim Collins</span> (1-0), who pitched a hit-less ninth for the Royals, earned his first win of the season.</p>
<p><span>George Kottaras</span> drove in the game-winning RBI for the Royals with a 10th inning, bases-loaded walk. It was <span>Alex Gordon</span> who drove the final nails into the Tigers' coffin with an extra-innings grand slam, accounting for the final 8-3 tally.</p>
<p>The Tigers could only muster five hits against Royals pitching. Torii Hunter led Detroit with two hits and an RBI.</p>
<p>Two down in the first, Tiger and Verlander Killer Billy Butler at the plate, Verlander just pitched around him. But Eric Hosmer went the opposite way with two strikes and lined a double down the left-field line, Verlander suddenly in a jam.</p>
<p>Lorenzo Cain followed with an 0-2 chopper to third, which <span>Miguel Cabrera</span> proceeded to BARE-HAND.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2534531/Cabrera_barehand_4-25-13.gif"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2534531/Cabrera_barehand_4-25-13.gif" class="photo" alt="Cabrera_barehand_4-25-13_medium"></a><br id="1366931277274"></p>
<p>Making the play a bit more exciting than necessary, Cabrera threw Cain out by a step to end the threat.</p>
<p>Bottom of the first, breaking out of an 0-for-26 slump, Austin Jackson ripped a 1-2 pitch from <span>James Shields</span> into the right-field corner for a lead-off double. Cabrera, doing what he does so well, lined an RBI single to left to give the Tigers a first-inning lead for the second-straight game.</p>
<p>Up 1-0, Verlander followed <span>Max Scherzer's</span> example from game one of the series, unable to shut down the Royals after being given a lead. Just like Scherzer, he was BABIP'd.</p>
<p>The Royals manufactured a two-out rally in the third, tying the game at 1-all.</p>
<p><span>Alcides Escobar</span> was fooled on a two-strike breaking ball, but Verlander did not have a play on the resulting swinging bunt, the ball rolling to a stop in fair territory for a single. Escobar then stole second and scored when Verlander's nemesis, Butler, singled to right.</p>
<p>The Tigers threatened to take back the lead in the bottom of the inning, but...<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/search?q=TTBDNS&src=typd">#TTBDNS</a>.</p>
<p><span>Omar Infante</span> walked with one out, took second on Jackson's ground ball, and advanced to third on <span>Torii Hunter's</span> infield single.</p>
<p>The stage was set for Cabrera, and for a moment it looked like he would give the Tigers a lead with a broken bat single. But the ball hung up long enough for second baseman <span>Chris Getz</span> to flag it down in short center.</p>
<p>The Royals continued to use BABIP as their main weapon against Verlander in the fourth, using a pair of infield singles to take the lead.</p>
<p>Leading off, Cain beat out a high chopper to third. With one out, Jeff Francoeur hit a dribbler which found the hole in the right side, Infante compounding matters by batting the ball into the outfield, allowing Cain to advance to third.</p>
<p>Infante's error cost the Tigers an unearned run and the lead, Cain scoring on Salvador Perez's sacrifice fly, the Royals taking a 2-1 advantage.</p>
<p>Apparently this was a day to manufacture runs, the Tigers countering with one of their own in the bottom of the fourth.</p>
<p>Fielder worked a lead-off walk, circling his way around to third on a pair of Shields wild pitches. Victor Martinez was unable to get the runner home, flying out to short left.</p>
<p><span>Jhonny Peralta</span> would drive Fielder home, sending a sacrifice fly to right center. (<a target="_blank" href="http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=26578759&topic_id=&c_id=det&tcid=vpp_copy_26578759&v=3">MLB.com video</a>)</p>
<p>Luckily for the Tigers, it wasn't Francoeur (and his ridiculously good arm) who made the catch. It would be Cain making the play in short-right center. Momentum carrying him toward right, Cain had to spin and throw, He still had a shot at nailing Fielder at the plate, but for some reason Hosmer cut the ball off, whirling around to throw home (you could hear someone scream <i>"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?"</i> over the FSD mics).</p>
<p>The split second was just enough to allow Fielder to slide under the tag, trying the game at 2-all.</p>
<p>With the rain returning to Comerica in the fifth, the Royals generated another threat.</p>
<p>Butler singled with two out. Of course he did, that's what Butler does against the Tigers. Hosmer just threw his bat at an outside breaking ball, finding the hole at short, another BABIP single. Enough was enough; Verlander would shut the door, ending the inning when Cain bounced out to Infante as the rain continued to fall.</p>
<p>Having a great home stand so far, Infante ignited a rally in the bottom half of the fifth.</p>
<p>Infante singled with one out, taking second on a wild pitch. After Jackson walked, Hunter lined an RBI single to left, Infante racing home ahead of Gordon's throw.</p>
<p>Cabrera would then hit a rocket, but right at third baseman Mike Moustakas. He doubled Jackson, who never had a chance, off second base. Regardless, the Tigers had scraped across another run, retaking the lead at 3-2.</p>
<p>Verlander had his first 1-2-3 inning since the second in the sixth. Gordon would single with one out in the seventh, but Verlander would turn an Escobar come-backer into a 1-6-3 double play (nicely turned by Peralta).</p>
<p>Shields had been matching Verlander, setting down the Tigers in order in the sixth and seventh.</p>
<p>Verlander would end the seventh at 96 pitches, <span>Bruce Rondon</span> and Phil Coke warming up. Most days Verlander has at least another inning in him at that point. But while the Tigers were batting, FSD caught trainer Kevin Rand working on the thumb of Verlander's right hand.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2533375/thumb.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Thumb_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2533375/thumb_medium.jpg"></a> <br id="1366918962769"></p>
<p>It was enough of a problem to end Verlander's afternoon.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Justin Verlander left today's game with cracked skin on his right thumb. His is listed as day-to-day. <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Tigers">#Tigers</a></p>
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) <a href="https://twitter.com/tigers/status/327507469104467969">April 25, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Bruce Rondon would make his debut facing the middle of the Royals order. It could have gone better.</p>
<p>Leading off was Butler, and of course, he would single.</p>
<p><span>Jarrod Dyson</span> pinch ran for Butler and immediately stole second on the rookie hurler. Dyson advanced to third on a broken-bat ground ball off Rondon's glove and would score on Cain's sacrifice fly to center, tying the game 3-3.</p>
<p>The rookie mistakes continued, even if Rondon was throwing high 90s gas.</p>
<p>Moustakas kept the inning alive, ripping a double into the right-field corner. Realizing Rondon was paying absolutely no attention to him, Moustakas stole third standing up.</p>
<p>Rondon would finally get out of the inning when Francoeur popped up to Fielder.</p>
<p>On the flip, Shields was rolling, throwing his third straight 1-2-3 inning in the eighth.</p>
<p>Rondon started the ninth, threw one pitch, and promptly got BABIP'd. Perez's ground ball up the middle found center field, the third hit Rondon allowed. It would be his last, Jim Leyland making the call for Phil Coke.</p>
<p>Getz was asked to bunt. Expecting it, Coke threw a fastball well inside. Somehow Getz leaped out of the wall and still got his bat on the ball, advancing pinch runner <span>Elliot Johnson</span>.</p>
<p>The runner now in scoring position, Coke would strike out Gordon. The Tigers intentionally walked the right-hand hitting Escobar to face the lefty, Dyson. The move paid off, Coke getting Dyson on a lazy fly to Donnie Baseball, ending the threat.</p>
<p>Bottom of nine, lefty reliever Tim Collins (and his Brian Wilson-esque beard) entered the game for the Royals. He struck out Fielder on a borderline outside 3-2 fastball, one too close to take...which Fielder did.</p>
<p>Martinez went to a 3-2 count before bouncing to Moustakas for the second out.</p>
<p>One more 3-2 count, this time on Peralta, who swung through a breaking ball to end the inning. Collins skated on along the edge of trouble, but never fell over it.</p>
<p>On to extra-innings we went, and the bullpen go BOOM.</p>
<p>Once again tempting fate, Leyland asked for a second inning from the lefty. But as good as Coke was in the ninth, he was the polar opposite in the 10th.</p>
<p>Cain doubled to left center with one down. That happens. Then, disaster.</p>
<p>The bottom fell out on Coke, the inning and the game. By "bottom falling out," I mean it collapsed like a Matt Millen-run Detroit Lions draft.</p>
<p>Unable to find the strike zone, Coke walked the .154 hitting Moustakas, then wild pitched the runners into scoring position while the light-hitting Francoeur was at the plate.</p>
<p>With first base now open, Francoeur was intentionally walked.</p>
<p>Then, it really got ugly.</p>
<p>Coke walked the backup catcher, George Kottaras, giving the Royals the lead. A merciful Leyland had <span>Darin Downs</span> relieve Coke.</p>
<p>Downs has been one of the most dependable relievers for the Tigers. So of course, he allowed a no-doubt grand slam to Gordon. who swung the bat as if he were a member of the Baseball Furies. The big fly landed in Cabrera-Fielder territory, the shrubs in dead center.</p>
<p>GAME OVER.</p>
<p>Well, the bottom of the 10th needed to be played, but GAME OVER.</p>
<p>Wind out of their sails, the Tigers could do nothing with Royals closer <span>Greg Holland</span>, ending the game by going down in order.</p>
<p>Some afternoon. Verlander's start was wasted, and the bullpen gave sports talk radio idiots fodder for the next 24 hours.</p>
<p>Well, you can't blame <span>Jose Valverde</span> for this loss, anyway.</p>
<p>The Tigers fall back to .500 on the season with the loss, their record dropping to 10-10. The Tigers are now 1 1/2 games back of the first-place Royals, who are 11-8.</p>
<p>Next on tap for the Tigers is a weekend series with the high-flying <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Braves</a>, who hold the best record in baseball at 15-6. The Tigers definitely have their work cut out for them.</p>
<p><span>Anibal Sanchez</span> (2-1) will take the mound for the Tigers, <span>Paul Maholm</span> (3-1) for the Braves.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/25/4265926/royals-8-tigers-3-bullpen-detroit-kansas-city-verlander-coke-shields-gordon-extra-innings-mlbAl Beaton2013-04-25T16:17:40-04:002013-04-25T16:17:40-04:00Game 20 Overflow: Royals at Tigers
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<p>Welp</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/25/4266578/game-20-overflow-royals-at-tigersRob Rogacki2013-04-25T11:22:15-04:002013-04-25T11:22:15-04:00Game 20 Preview: Royals at Tigers
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<figcaption>Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Justin Verlander and James Shields face off for the third time in their careers today in the finale of a two-game series with the Royals.</p> <h4>
<a href="https://www.royalsreview.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Kansas City Royals</a> (10-8) at <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Tigers</a> (10-9)</h4>
<p><b>Time/Place:</b> 1:08 p.m., Comerica Park</p>
<p><b>SB Nation blog:</b> <a href="http://www.royalsreview.com/">Royals Review</a></p>
<p><b>Media:</b> Fox Sports Detroit, <a target="_blank" href="http://mlb.mlb.com/mediacenter/index.jsp?c_id=mlb&affiliateId=mlbMENU#date=4/25/2013">MLB.TV</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/det/schedule/radioaffiliates.jsp">Tigers Radio Network</a></p>
<p><b>Pitching Matchup:</b> RHP <span>James Shields</span> (1-2, 3.00 ERA) vs. RHP <span>Justin Verlander</span> (2-2, 2.13 ERA)</p>
<p>Through four starts, Shields has been every bit of the ace that the Royals were looking for when they traded away all-universe prospect <span>Wil Myers</span>, MLB-ready <span>Jake Odorizzi</span>, and a couple of other young talents. Shields already has one complete game under his belt and has gone six innings in each of his other three starts, allowing nine runs in 27 innings. His record is purely a product of poor run support; in Shields' two losses, the Royals have scored a total of two runs.</p>
<p>You will hear Rod Allen mention Shields' excellent changeup a number of times throughout today's telecast, but that's because it's really good and he throws it a lot. Shields will throw it upwards of 48% of the time with two strikes to right-handed hitters, but has no qualms about using it in any count to any batter. He will make someone look foolish today. He doesn't have that varied of an arsenal, throwing a fastball-curveball-changeup mix, but he uses multiple types of fastballs to get a little bit of late movement. His cutter is the best of the bunch, but all three are effective.</p>
<p>On two or more days of extra rest, Verlander was lights out last season. He only made two starts on such occasions, but tossed 16 shutout innings in those games while striking out 15 and walking just three hitters. As for his decreased velocity? This might be more than just a radar gun epidemic. Verlander is pounding the periphery of the strike zone this year; 53.4% of the pitches that hitters don't swing at are strikes, up from the low 40s over the past few seasons. They are also swinging at fewer pitches out of the strike zone, but the overall percentage of swings and whiffs that Verlander has gotten so far hasn't changed. His first strike percentage also hasn't changed, which is interesting. I'd venture a guess that Verlander is trying to stay around the plate more often to get a few easier outs, but this hasn't translated into results yet.</p>
<p><b>Outlook</b></p>
<p>Both Shields and Verlander will look to be more efficient in today's game. Shields has hit 100 pitches in the sixth inning three times this year, while it took Verlander 126 pitches to get through the seventh inning in his last start. They have faced off twice before, with Shields getting the better of Verlander both times in low-scoring matchups. Expect similar fireworks today. And by "fireworks," I mean frustrated hitters.</p>
<p><b>Prediction</b></p>
<p><span>Billy Butler</span> continues to torment Verlander with three hits today.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/25/4253714/2013-game-20-preview-kansas-city-royals-at-detroit-tigersRob Rogacki