Bless You Boys - Game 21: Braves at TigersA detailed list of nope about the Detroit Tigershttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47585/default.png2013-04-26T23:26:13-04:00http://www.blessyouboys.com/rss/stream/40350152013-04-26T23:26:13-04:002013-04-26T23:26:13-04:00GIF: All 17 of Anibal's strikeouts
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dee1XZYpBTSS5Lmgj0_Y5WlRoMU=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12255733/20130426_krg_aa1_146.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Yes, in one GIF.</p> <p>In case you haven't heard -- oh hell, if you're reading this, you know -- <span>Anibal Sanchez</span> struck out a franchise record 17 hitters in tonight's game against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Atlanta Braves</a>. Here are all 17 punchouts in one glorious, mesmerizing GIF.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2540717/Sanchez17Ks.gif"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2540717/Sanchez17Ks.gif" class="photo" alt="Sanchez17ks_medium"></a><br id="1367032604920"></p>
<p>If it weren't for the score, you wouldn't be able to tell where it starts or ends.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2540733/Sanchez_captip.gif"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2540733/Sanchez_captip.gif" class="photo" alt="Sanchez_captip_medium"></a><br id="1367032820860"></p>
<p>And a tip of the cap to you too, Anibal.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/26/4273106/gif-of-the-day-all-of-anibal-sanchezs-17-strikeoutsRob Rogacki2013-04-26T23:07:36-04:002013-04-26T23:07:36-04:00Anibal Sanchez has a game for the ages
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qpm29hxf7OfMbWILcOEe8msR7aY=/0x215:3283x2404/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12254283/167625957.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Gregory Shamus</figcaption>
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<p>Those of you who had Justin Verlander in the "Tigers starting pitcher most likely to break the team single-game strikeout record" lose the pool.</p> <p><span>Anibal Sanchez</span> pitched the game of his life, putting his name in the franchise record books.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a> have played 17,520 games in their 113-year history. No pitcher, including such stalwarts as <span>Justin Verlander</span>, Jack Morris, Denny McClain, Mickey Lolich, Tommy Bridges, Dizzy Trout, Hooks Dauss and Hall of Famers Hal Newhouser and Jim Bunning, had more strikeouts in a single game than Sanchez.</p>
<p>This defines dominance. Of Sanchez's 17 strikeouts, 14 were swinging.</p>
<p>Watch the record setter:</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=26612143&topic_id=&c_id=det&tcid=vpp_copy_26612143&v=3"> </a></p>
<p><iframe src="http://mlb.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=26610125&width=400&height=224&property=mlb" frameborder="0" height="224" width="400">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=26612143&topic_id=&c_id=det&tcid=vpp_copy_26612143&v=3"> </a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=26612143&topic_id=&c_id=det&tcid=vpp_copy_26612143&v=3">Click here to see MLB.com video of all 17 punch-outs.</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=26612143&topic_id=&c_id=det&tcid=vpp_copy_26612143&v=3"> </a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><i>Stat of the night: </i>Anibal Sanchez was either striking out <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Braves</a> or allowing an extra base hit. Of the five hits Sanchez gave up, three went for doubles.</p>
<p><i>Second stat of the night:</i> Sanchez faced the Braves 17 times as a Marlin and never struck out more than seven.</p>
<p><i>Third stat of the night:</i> Often when a pitcher is racking up strikeouts, a big reason is due to having such good movement on his pitches. But that also tends to make walks more likely. Tonight, Sanchez issued ONE free pass. A textbook case of having complete command of your arsenal.</p>
<p><i>Fourth stat of the night: </i>Not a single Tigers outfielder recorded a put-out. Talk about taking your defense out of the game!</p>
<p>I tip my cap to Anibal Sanchez.</p>
<p><b>WIN PROBABILITY GRAPH:</b></p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.fangraphs.com/graphframe.aspx?config=0&static=524941&type=livewins&num=0&h=450&w=450&date=2013-04-26&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=2013-04-26&team=Tigers&dh=0&season=2013">FanGraphs</a></span></p>
<p><b>BULLETS:</b></p>
<p>The Tigers offense has been in mired in a slump since facing King Felix in Seattle. Looking for offensive spark from Triple-A Toledo? Good luck, there isn't any.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>CALL SOMEONE UP FROM TRIPLE-A [only guy on the Hens hitting above .250 is a first baseman] WELP</p>
— Matt Sussman (@suss2hyphens) <a href="https://twitter.com/suss2hyphens/status/327931756789526528">April 26, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>The only Mud Hen hitting above .250 would be 27-year-old career minor-leaguer <span>Jordan Lennerton</span>, at .273. For what it's worth, <span>Nick Castellanos</span> is hitting .244, <span>Quintin Berry</span> .213 and <span>Danny Worth</span> .136.</p>
<p><span>Matt Tuiasosopo</span> didn't take a very good route on a second-inning double. Let the Twitter trolling begin!</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Quintin Berry would have caught it!<a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Mlived">#Mlived</a> RT @<a href="https://twitter.com/detroit4lyferob">detroit4lyferob</a>: Kelly would have kept that to a single <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23trollolololol">#trollolololol</a></p>
— Al Beaton (@BigAlBYB) <a href="https://twitter.com/BigAlBYB/status/327926423023128576">April 26, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>We all know the Tigers defense suc...wait, what?!</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Now, that's just silly. Miggy starting a picture-perfect, 5-4-3 double play with an off-balance throw from behind the 3B bag.</p>
— Matthew B. Mowery (@matthewbmowery) <a href="https://twitter.com/matthewbmowery/status/327939424124018688">April 27, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH THE TIGERS' DEFENSE</p>
— Detroit4lyfe (@Detroit4lyfeRob) <a href="https://twitter.com/Detroit4lyfeRob/status/327939476204695552">April 27, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>Even Mario Impemba and Rod Allen were stunned by the marvelous around-the-horn double play to end the third.</p>
<p>Mario:<i> "WOW! I didn't think they had a chance..."</i></p>
<p>Neither did I, Mario. Neither did I.</p>
<p>Speaking of defense, after Austin Jackson singled past a sprawling <span>Dan Uggla</span> and Mario blurted <i>"That looked like a makeable play,"</i> the obvious was stated.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Shouldn't the strategy of every at bat be "hit it to Uggla?"</p>
— Jennifer Cosey (@VivaTigres) <a href="https://twitter.com/VivaTigres/status/327940570670587904">April 27, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>I'm guessing other fan bases say the same about <span>Jhonny Peralta</span>.</p>
<p>The fun third inning totals: Nine batters, four runs, four hits, one walk, and an error.</p>
<p>The fun fourth inning totals: Ten batters, six runs, six hits, one base on balls, an RBI single, RBI ground out, RBI double, and a three-run bomb.</p>
<p>The TL;DR version:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Tigers">#Tigers</a> sent 19 batters to the plate in the span of two innings. Scored 10 runs.</p>
— Matthew B. Mowery (@matthewbmowery) <a href="https://twitter.com/matthewbmowery/status/327944928434978816">April 27, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p><strike>Ron Burgundy</strike> Mario Impemba after Tuiasosopo's dinger:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="3p3m40_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1577327/3p3m40_medium.jpg"></p>
<p><span>Paul Maholm</span> entered the game with a 1.03 ERA. He left with an ERA of 3.30.</p>
<p>Remember when professional golfer <a target="_blank" href="http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/news/story?id=1605109">Phil Mickelson tried out with the Mud Hens</a>? He made the team and changed his name to Matt Tuiasosopo.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p><a href="http://t.co/Ay4O6mqqu9" title="http://twitter.com/suss2hyphens/status/327945814410403841/photo/1">twitter.com/suss2hyphens/s…</a></p>
— Matt Sussman (@suss2hyphens) <a href="https://twitter.com/suss2hyphens/status/327945814410403841">April 27, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>The last 17 K game in MLB? <span>Brandon Morrow</span> on Aug. 8, 2010.</p>
<p>The Braves would ultimately K 18 times.The last whiff of the night came on a 101-mile-per-hour fastball from the rookie fire-baller <span>Bruce Rondon</span>.</p>
<p>There might be one downside to Sanchez's dominance.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Porcello sitting at locker: "You think the Braves are mad? I hope they're not mad."</p>
— Matt Wallace (@MattinToledo) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattinToledo/status/327969076444028929">April 27, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez's post-game presser lasted 12 seconds. The full transcript:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>He (Sanchez) was pretty good and we weren't. That's all I got for you. You guys have a good one.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>A man of few words.</p>
<p>A man never lacking for words, Jim Leyland had a little more to say than Gonzalez on FSD, especially about his starting pitcher.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"It was just a terrific performance against a real aggressive team. They hit the ball out of the ballpark, and they’re real aggressive, and they let it fly. He just made some great pitches, consistently, inning after inning.<br>"You can’t really get any better than that."</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>THREE ROARS:</b></p>
<p>Matt Tuiasosopo: A BIG game for Big Squiggles. Two hits, a three-run homer and five RBIs. Been a long time since we've seen a power bat come off the bench in Detroit.</p>
<p>Anibal Sanchez: A brilliant night on the mound with a career-high 17 strikeouts, shutting out the Braves over eight innings. A certain sports talk radio host here in Detroit said this week the Tigers would have been much better served signing <span>Rafael Soriano</span> instead of Sanchez. That's why you shouldn't listen to sports talk radio (especially between 2-6 PM in Detroit), folks.</p>
<p>Oh, yeah. Remember the top prospect the Tigers gave up to get Sanchez, the centerpiece of the trade with the Marlins?</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Unrelated: <span>Jacob Turner</span> has a 7.27 ERAand 1.79 WHIP in 17.1 innings at Triple A this season so far.</p>
— Scott Rogowski (@DNR_Rogo) <a href="https://twitter.com/DNR_Rogo/status/327954005391192066">April 27, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p><span>Victor Martinez</span>: The Tigers' DH was 3-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored. The bad luck Martinez was hitting into is finally beginning to even out. (knocks on wood)</p>
<p><b>THREE HISSES:</b></p>
<p>Not even going to bother. This win was far too much fun to complain about a damn thing.</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>971</td>
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<td>Total commenters</td>
<td>46</td>
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<td>Commenter list</td>
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<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Alex%20Baker">Alex Baker</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Allison%20Hagen">Allison Hagen</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Arvay7">Arvay7</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BadCompany22">BadCompany22</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Baroque">Baroque</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BigAl">BigAl</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Cabbylander">Cabbylander</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Fielder%27sChoice">Fielder'sChoice</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/FunkyTime">FunkyTime</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/GVLaker09">GVLaker09</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/H2OPoloPunk">H2OPoloPunk</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/House%20by%20the%20Side%20of%20the%20Road">House by the Side of the Road</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/J_the_Man">J_the_Man</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Jacob30">Jacob30</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/JerseyTigerFan">JerseyTigerFan</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/JoeK5">JoeK5</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/KGW">KGW</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Keith-Allen">Keith-Allen</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/MSUDersh">MSUDersh</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/MakeItTrizzle">MakeItTrizzle</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Michigan%26TrumbullinLA">Michigan&TrumbullinLA</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Nonsuch%20Ned">Nonsuch Ned</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Rob%20Rogacki">Rob Rogacki</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SabreRoseTiger">SabreRoseTiger</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/TheLegacyofJordanTata">TheLegacyofJordanTata</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Verlanderful">Verlanderful</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ahtrap">ahtrap</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/bowling255">bowling255</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/dishnet34">dishnet34</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/doctorj">doctorj</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/dominator039">dominator039</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/frisbeepilot">frisbeepilot</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/geopun">geopun</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/ottisfranklin">ottisfranklin</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/rbbaker">rbbaker</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/rock%20n%20rye">rock n rye</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/rodallen">rodallen</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/sactwnsteelr">sactwnsteelr</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/stevenyc">stevenyc</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/thanantos">thanantos</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/13194013">13194013</a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Story URLs</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/26/4269712/game-21-braves-at-tigers-7-08-p-m">http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/26/4269712/game-21-braves-at-tigers-7-08-p-m</a><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/26/4272512/game-21-overflow-braves-at-tigers/in/4035015">http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/26/4272512/game-21-overflow-braves-at-tigers/in/4035015</a>
</td>
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</tbody>
</table>
<p><b><br>TOP TEN COMMENTERS:</b></p>
<table>
<thead><tr>
<th>#</th> <th>Commenter</th> <th># Comments</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
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<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/J_the_Man">J_the_Man</a></td>
<td>112</td>
</tr>
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<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SabreRoseTiger">SabreRoseTiger</a></td>
<td>81</td>
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<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Alex%20Baker">Alex Baker</a></td>
<td>69</td>
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<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/rock%20n%20rye">rock n rye</a></td>
<td>68</td>
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<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/frisbeepilot">frisbeepilot</a></td>
<td>64</td>
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<td>6</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Baroque">Baroque</a></td>
<td>61</td>
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<td>7</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Rob%20Rogacki">Rob Rogacki</a></td>
<td>59</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/mrsunshine">mrsunshine</a></td>
<td>38</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Arvay7">Arvay7</a></td>
<td>37</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ahtrap">ahtrap</a></td>
<td>34</td>
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</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>12</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Alex%20Baker">Alex Baker</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/26/4272512/game-21-overflow-braves-at-tigers/in/4035015#159126399">I DEMAND THAT YOU ALL STAND AND CLAP FOR THIS MAN</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Alex%20Baker">Alex Baker</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/26/4272512/game-21-overflow-braves-at-tigers/in/4035015#159136829">I dont care if I already did this HE DESERVES ANOTHER STANDING OVATION CLAP FOR HIM I SAY</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/rbbaker">rbbaker</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/26/4272512/game-21-overflow-braves-at-tigers/in/4035015#159137941">Mr. Sanchez</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/rbbaker">rbbaker</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/26/4272512/game-21-overflow-braves-at-tigers/in/4035015#159148671">VICTORY!!!</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Cabbylander">Cabbylander</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/26/4272512/game-21-overflow-braves-at-tigers/in/4035015#159133285">rock n rye inspired me</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/rock%20n%20rye">rock n rye</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/26/4269712/game-21-braves-at-tigers-7-08-p-m#159069335">which reminds me</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SabreRoseTiger">SabreRoseTiger</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/26/4272512/game-21-overflow-braves-at-tigers/in/4035015#159145633">I have watched Louisville, Toledo, and Detroit, and I am overjoyed to declare tonight a Mafia Night across the board</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/J_the_Man">J_the_Man</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/26/4269712/game-21-braves-at-tigers-7-08-p-m#159090501">TIGERS OFFENSE: BEAST MODE ENGAGE!!!!</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/25/4266776/detroit-tigers-kansas-city-roiyals-verlander-thumb-bullpen-coke-downs-rondon--austin-jackson"><br>GAME 20 PLAYER OF THE GAME</a>:</b></p>
<p>Justin Verlander was forced to leave the game due to a blister on his pitching thumb, but was more than impressive enough over his seven innings to take PotG honors with 78% of the vote.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/26/4272802/anyone-still-have-second-thoughts-about-re-signing-anibal-sanchezAl Beaton2013-04-26T22:10:30-04:002013-04-26T22:10:30-04:00Anibal Sanchez blows away Braves
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vvp_iSjf4oXp9Bdtx6WvwF6F7UE=/0x671:2667x2449/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12250409/20130426_jla_aa1_385.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Anibal Sanchez was brilliant on the mound with a franchise-record 17 strikeouts; Matt Tuiasosopo supplied all the offensive support Sanchez would need in dismantling the Atlanta Braves. </p> <p><span>Anibal Sanchez</span> set a new career high with 17 strikeouts while throwing eight shutout innings, <span>Matt Tuiasosopo</span> clubbed a three-run home run and drove in five RBIs as the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Detroit Tigers</a> crushed the high-flying <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Atlanta Braves</a> 10-0.</p>
<p>The 17 punch-outs by Sanchez was also a new Tigers franchise high, breaking Mickey Lolich's record of 16, set in 1969.</p>
<p>Braves starter <span>Paul Maholm</span> (3-2) was tagged for ten hits and eight runs in 3 2/3 innings, suffering his second loss of the season. The victorious Sanchez raised his record to 3-1, lowering his ERA to 1.34 in the process.</p>
<p>The Tigers' bats have been slumping since mid-West Coast swing, but broke out with a vengeance tonight, clubbing 15 hits against three Braves pitchers. Along with Tuiasosopo's big game, Torii Hunter and Victor Martinez chimed in with three hits each, Martinez adding two RBIs.</p>
<p>Though Sanchez was on his game from the first batter he faced, no one could have predicted he would have a record-breaking night. But he did and it was spectacular!</p>
<p>Mid-second inning, Sanchez had set down the first four Braves in order, three by strikeout. The term being used was "dealing."</p>
<p>But Chris Johnson, who entered the game hitting .397, showed why he was leading the National League in hitting<b> </b>when he laced Sanchez's mid-80s breaking ball past Matt Tuiasosopo in left for a double. With two down, .150-hitting <span>B.J. Upton</span> walked.</p>
<p>Even though Sanchez allowed a pair of base runners, his stuff remained filthy. He recorded his fifth strikeout to end the threat, <span>Juan Francisco</span> waving weakly at an inside breaking ball in the dirt.</p>
<p>The Tigers had their first threat of the night in the bottom half of the second. But Maholm was able to pitch out of the jam, helped by the Tigers' biggest ongoing issue -- their inability to hit with runners in scoring position.</p>
<p>Fielder led off with a base on balls. <span>Victor Martinez's</span> fly ball found the gap in right center, the double sending Fielder to third base.</p>
<p>The Braves played the infield back, and <span>Jhonny Peralta</span> grounded to short. One of the best defensive shortstops in baseball, <span>Andrelton Simmons</span>, showed why he has that reputation. He made a back-hand stop, but instead of taking the easy out at first, he threw a strike to home. The Tigers had Fielder leaving on contact, but the big man got an awful jump. He was out by five feet, <span>Evan Gattis</span> laying down the tag.</p>
<p>The play at the plate (not close enough to call it bang-bang) left any shot at a rally hanging on the vine. Tuiasosopo struck out, <span>Brayan Pena</span> bouncing out 4-3.</p>
<p>Simmons bit the Tigers with his glove in the second, then bit them again with his bat in the third. The Braves second-year shortstop doubled with one down, then took third on Pena's passed ball.</p>
<p>Sanchez bore down, pitching out of his second-straight jam. He made <span>Dan Uggla</span> look silly while posting his seventh strikeout, then Sanchez ended the inning on a <span>Justin Upton</span> ground ball.</p>
<p>The Tigers repaid Sanchez by taking the lead in the bottom half of the inning.</p>
<p><span>Omar Infante</span>, one of the few Tigers who swung the bat well in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.royalsreview.com/">Royals</a> series, sparked a four-run rally. He led off with a hard ground ball under the glove of Johnson, then turned a single into a hustle double, beating J. Upton's throw.</p>
<p>Infante took third on a ground ball, then scored on <span>Torii Hunter's</span> single, Tigers up 1-0. But the inning was just getting started.</p>
<p>After a Cabrera walk and Fielder strikeout, Martinez channeled his 2011 self and looped a two-out RBI single to center, Hunter scoring to raise the Tigers' lead to 2-0.</p>
<p>Maholm pitched himself into deeper trouble by uncorking a wild pitch, moving both runners into scoring position, then loading the bases by walking Peralta.</p>
<p>Tuiasosopo made Malholm pay for his mistakes, bouncing a 2-2 changeup through the left side for a two-RBI single to left, Cabrera and (surprisingly) Martinez scoring. Peralta and Tuiasosopo would advance into scoring position on J. Upton's off-line throw, earning an error for his effort.</p>
<p>Maholm would get out of the inning without further damage when Pena flied out to left center.</p>
<p>The Tigers would take a 4-0 lead into the top of the fourth. Sanchez tossed an uneventful inning, helped by Cabrera starting an inning-ending 5-4-3 double play. Yes, an around-the-horn double play was turned by the Tigers. I'm still stunned.</p>
<p>You know what happens next, the player who makes a big defensive play comes to the plate in the next half inning. That it was Cabrera was a plus, as his RBI single helped ignite another rally. A rally which "Big Squggles" Tuiasosopo would have the big hit, Maholm would be knocked out of the game and the Tigers would stretch their lead into double digits.</p>
<p>Yes, a double-digit lead. Against the team with the best record in baseball.</p>
<p>One down, Jackson singled to center. <br><br>A still smoking-hot-at-the-plate Hunter singled to shallow center, Jackson taking second.</p>
<p>Cabrera celebrated his defensive brilliance with an RBI single to right center. Jackson scored, Hunter racing to third.</p>
<p>Fielder grounded out to second, Uggla forced to take the out at first base when he bobbled the ball, driving home Hunter.</p>
<p>Thumbing his nose at both luck and BABIP, Martinez ripped a double to left to plate Cabrera.</p>
<p>Having seen enough and with the game in a death spiral, Braves skipper Fredi González called on rght-handed reliever <span>Anthony Varvaro</span> to take over for Maholm. Didn't matter. The death spiral would become a huge crash.</p>
<p>Peralta walked, setting the table for Tuiasosopo. Big Squiggles promptly cleared the table, greeting Varvaro by crushing his first home run of the season, a long, no-doubt-about-it, three-run bomb into the left-field seats.</p>
<p><b>BAM. </b>Tigers led 10-0.</p>
<p>Four innings remained to be played. But with Sanchez absolutely dealing and holding a ten-run lead, the game was in the bag.</p>
<p>Sanchez was getting nastier as the game proceeded. He stuck out two more Braves as part of a 1-2-3 sixth, having retired seven in a row and raising his strikeout total to a dozen.</p>
<p>Rod Allen broke out the video game quotes in the seventh as Sanchez tied his career high in strikeouts. <span>Freddie Freeman</span> and Johnson would both go down swinging, strikeouts 13 and 14 for Sanchez.</p>
<p>Sanchez set a new personal best in the eighth inning when he struck out Francisco for the third time, number 15 on the night.</p>
<p><span>Reed Johnson</span> was punch-out number 16.</p>
<p>After allowing a single to Simmons, Comerica Park exploded when Sanchez set the franchise record on his 122nd and last pitch of the night, Uggla the 17th strikeout victim. Sanchez would leave to a well-deserved standing ovation, the crowd having witnessed team history.</p>
<p><span>Bruce Rondon</span> would get the call to finish out the game. He would do so while showing why the Tigers believe he's the closer of the future.</p>
<p>Rondon opened some eyes when he stuck out Freeman on three pitches, the last with 101-mile-per-hour heat. Freeman earned the Golden Sombrero for his efforts.</p>
<p>The big rookie would shut the door in fine fashion, tossing a 1-2-3 ninth to end a fun night of baseball at Comerica Park.</p>
<p>A boring win for the Tigers. I LOVE BORING.</p>
<p>With the victory, the Tigers continue their tango with .500 and are back above the break-even mark at 11-10 on the season. They hold on to second place in the Central, just one game back of the Royals.</p>
<p>Despite the loss, the Braves hold on to first place in the NL East, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.federalbaseball.com/">Nationals</a> hovering a game back. The Braves have now dropped two in a row, falling to 15-7.</p>
<p>In game two of the three-game weekend series in Detroit, right-hander <span>Kris Medlen</span> (1-2) will take the mound for the Braves, while hard-luck <span>Rick Porcello</span> (0-2) gets the ball for the Tigers. Game time is 1:08 PM Saturday.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/26/4272462/tigers-10-braves-0-anibal-sanchez-franchise-record-17-strikeouts-tuiasosopo-detroit-atlanta-mlbAl Beaton2013-04-26T21:53:58-04:002013-04-26T21:53:58-04:00Anibal strikes out 17
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<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Sanchez dominated an Atlanta Braves lineup, striking out 17 hitters and walking one in eight shutout innings.</p> <p>Thirty years from now, I imagine someone will be on a game show and the following question will be asked:</p>
<p>"Who holds the <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Tigers</a>' franchise record for strikeouts in a nine inning game?"</p>
<p>After tonight, the correct answer is <span>Anibal Sanchez</span>. Sanchez dominated the <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Braves</a> over eight shutout innings, striking out 17 hitters. This broke the previous record of 16, which Mickey Lolich accomplished twice during the 1969 season. Fourteen of Sanchez's 17 strikeouts were of the swinging variety. The offense gave Sanchez plenty of support, scoring four runs in the third inning and six more in the fourth. The extra time on the bench didn't phase Sanchez, who allowed just two hits after the fourth inning.</p>
<p>The Braves came in to this weekend's series with the best record in the major leagues, but their offense had the fifth-most strikeouts in the majors. That ranking is bound to go up after Sanchez's performance tonight. Sanchez punched out <span>Freddie Freeman</span>* and <span>Juan Francisco</span> three times apiece, and <span>Dan Uggla</span> got an infamous "golden sombrero" with a four-strikeout performance.</p>
<p><i>*Freeman also struck out a fourth time, against <span>Bruce Rondon</span> in the ninth inning.</i></p>
<p>Sanchez's performance was particularly impressive because of his efficiency and command. He needed 121 pitches to work through eight innings, and only allowed six baserunners the entire night. His 17:1 strikeouts-to-walks ratio is also a franchise record.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/26/4272704/anibal-sanchez-detroit-tigers-franchise-record-17-strikeouts-atlanta-bravesRob Rogacki2013-04-26T20:48:10-04:002013-04-26T20:48:10-04:00Game 21 Overflow: Braves at Tigers
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<p>This game is fun.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/26/4272512/game-21-overflow-braves-at-tigersRob Rogacki2013-04-26T10:13:54-04:002013-04-26T10:13:54-04:00Game 21 Preview: Braves at Tigers
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<figcaption>Marc Serota</figcaption>
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<p>The Tigers open interleague play with a three game series against the Atlanta Braves. The two teams have not faced each other since 2010.</p> <h4>
<a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Braves</a> (15-6) at <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Tigers</a> (10-10)</h4>
<p><b>Time/Place:</b> 7:08 p.m., Comerica Park</p>
<p><b>SB Nation blog:</b> <a href="http://www.talkingchop.com/">Talking Chop</a></p>
<p><b>Media:</b> Fox Sports Detroit, <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/mediacenter/index.jsp?c_id=mlb&affiliateId=mlbMENU#date=4/26/2013" target="_blank">MLB.TV</a>, <a href="http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/det/schedule/radioaffiliates.jsp" target="_blank">Tigers Radio Network</a></p>
<p><b>Pitching Matchup:</b> LHP <span>Paul Maholm</span> (3-1, 1.03 ERA) vs. RHP <span>Anibal Sanchez</span> (2-1, 1.75 ERA)</p>
<p>Maholm has been one of the big surprises of the 2013 season, winning his first three starts and not allowing a run in his first 26 2/3 innings pitched. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/">Pittsburgh Pirates</a> finally tagged him with three runs in his last start, handing Maholm his first loss of the year. How has he done it? By limiting line drives and keeping the ball in the park. Opposing batters have a 17.2% line drive rate off him this season, well below the figures in the 21-22% range he has posted over the last couple seasons. In addition, he has only allowed one home run. His strikeout rate is elevated, his BABIP is .212, and he is stranding 93.5% of runners on base. He will regress at some point, but there's no telling that it will be today.</p>
<p>In case the above paragraph didn't give you enough pause about what we're going to see tonight, this may: Maholm is a soft-tossing lefty. He throws a combination of fastballs that all sit in the high 80s, including a two-seamer that he throws 35% of the time. He will also mix in a slider, curveball, and changeup. The slider comes out primarily against left-handed hitters; he threw it 28% of the time against them last season, compared to just 9% against righties. He is throwing his curveball more often this season, using it 20% of the time against lefties and 11% of the time against righties. Whether this is an actual shift in his arsenal or PitchFX classifying the pitches wrong doesn't matter, he's eating up lefties in 2013.</p>
<p><b><span>Andrelton Simmons</span> is going to do something ridiculous this weekend</b></p>
<p><iframe src="http://mlb.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=26463823&width=400&height=224&property=mlb" width="400" height="224" frameborder="0">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe></p>
<p><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1575971/andreltonsimmons.gif"><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1575971/andreltonsimmons.gif" class="photo" alt="Andreltonsimmons_medium"></a></p>
<p>Prepare yourself accordingly.</p>
<p><b>Other Braves doing ridiculous things</b></p>
<p>You probably already know that <span>Justin Upton</span> leads the majors with 11 home runs and is basically a one-man wrecking ball at the plate right now, but catcher <span>Evan Gattis</span> and third baseman <span>Chris Johnson</span> have put up some monster numbers as well. Gattis has six home runs filling in for the injured <span>Brian McCann</span>, while Johnson is hitting .397/.424/.556 in 66 plate appearances. With <span>Freddie Freeman</span> returning to the lineup, this is much more than a one Upton show.</p>
<p><b>Outlook</b></p>
<p>The Braves are coming in on somewhat of a skid, losing five of their last eight games. They took two of three from a surprising <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.purplerow.com/">Colorado Rockies</a> team at Coors Field, but lost the series finale 6-5. Their pitching staff has allowed just 55 runs in 21 games in no small part thanks to the bullpen's 1.60 ERA*. If the Tigers are going to score tonight, it will likely have to be on Maholm.</p>
<p><i>*Fun fact: the Braves' and Tigers' bullpens are tied for the league lead with 1.1 fWAR. Can we trade? Please?</i></p>
<p><b>Prediction</b></p>
<p>Soft-tossing lefty = Tigers downfall.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/26/4253626/2013-game-21-preview-atlanta-braves-at-detroit-tigersRob Rogacki