Bless You Boys - Game 26: Twins at TigersA detailed list of nope about the Detroit Tigershttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47585/default.png2013-05-01T17:13:36-04:00http://www.blessyouboys.com/rss/stream/40534712013-05-01T17:13:36-04:002013-05-01T17:13:36-04:00Bruce Rondon fails to impress, sent to Toledo
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_KrklJt8eVx8zUKtq54E4vRcd2g=/0x484:3406x2755/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12539121/167854804.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Leon Halip</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Tigers' top relief-pitching prospect's rude introduction to the big leagues continued, allowing two runs in just 1/3 of an inning. His rude introduction also came to an end. Rondon was sent to Toledo after the game, Luke Putkonen called up to take his spot on the roster.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Detroit Tigers</a> fell to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Minnesota Twins</a> 6-2, but the story of the game was the struggles of rookie fire-baller Bruce Rondon. The Tigers sent the big right-hander back to Triple-A Toledo after the loss, calling up lefty <span>Luke Putkonen</span> in his stead.</p>
<p>Jim Leyland said he just couldn't get Rondon enough work, he needs to close out games, and it's hoped Rondon will make adjustments. The Tigers' skipper added this experience will be good for him.</p>
<div class="read-more">
<b>Read more</b>: <a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/5/1/4290124/twins-6-tigers-2-tigers-set-al-strikeout-record-but-twins-get-the-win" target="new">Twins 6, Tigers 2: Tigers set K mark, Twins get W</a> <a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/5/1/4289622/phil-coke-placed-on-15-day-disabled-list-jose-ortega-recalled-from" target="new">Phil Coke to DL, Jose Ortega recalled from minors</a> <a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/5/1/4290800/gif-torii-hunter-suit-and-tie/in/4053471" target="new">Torii Hunter puts on his suit and tie</a>
</div>
<p>Rondon entered the game in the top of the seventh and quickly committed a couple of relief-pitcher Cardinal sins.</p>
<p>One, Rondon didn't shut down the Twins after his teammates cut the lead to one run in the previous inning. He gave back a run only two batters into his short appearance.</p>
<p>Two, Rondon could not throw strikes, walking the bases loaded before getting the hook. <span>Darin Downs</span> was unable to bail out Rondon completely, allowing one of the inherited runners to score. Regardless, the game was all but over after Rondon's adventurous appearance.</p>
<p>Let's not forget Rondon allowed another stolen base as well, showing a complete inability to hold runners in his short time in the big leagues.</p>
<p>When all was said and done, Rondon's line was ugly: 1/3 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 BB. He heads back to Triple-A with an ERA of 11.57.</p>
<p>For all the talk of Rondon having an elite fastball, if it doesn't move, it's extremely hittable. We've yet to see that movement on Rondon's pitches; the Twins were showing they were fully capable of turning on a triple-digit pitch that is arrow straight, as would any other MLB team.</p>
<p>The Tigers often speak glowingly about Rondon, their reigning minor league pitcher of the year, but he did not make any converts within the Tigers' fan base today.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>See you Friday at the Hens game, Bruce.</p>
— Scott Rogowski (@DNR_Rogo) <a href="https://twitter.com/DNR_Rogo/status/329674510133510145">May 1, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Rondon (soft ON) is a sloppy mess right now.</p>
— Detroit4lyfe (@Detroit4lyfe) <a href="https://twitter.com/Detroit4lyfe/status/329673617078112257">May 1, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Rondown. RT @<a href="https://twitter.com/tonypaul1984">tonypaul1984</a>: Rondon is not ready. He needs to go back down.</p>
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisVannini/status/329672447173459968">May 1, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
They weren't any more complimentary in the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/5/1/4289256/game-26-twins-at-tigers-1-08-p-m/in/4053471">BYB game thread</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>A 101 MPH fastball down the middle... …is still a fastball down the middle.</p>
<p>The only thing he's 'closer' is ‘closer’ to being sent back to Toledo</p>
<p>10 of 14 pitches thrown for balls.... This guy ain’t ready</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Rondon just isn't fooling big-league hitters.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p><span>Bruce Rondon's</span> throwing 101. In 17 pitches, he got zero swinging strikes.</p>
— Dave Hogg (@Stareagle) <a href="https://twitter.com/Stareagle/status/329676564105142272">May 1, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>With that, Rondon heads back to the minor leagues. The kid just wasn't ready, despite the Tigers continually insisting Rondon has been since the end of last season.</p>
<p>Saying so doesn't make it so.</p>
<p><b>WIN PROBABILITY GRAPH:</b></p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.fangraphs.com/graphframe.aspx?config=0&static=528588&type=livewins&num=0&h=450&w=450&date=2013-05-01&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=2013-05-01&team=Tigers&dh=0&season=2013">FanGraphs</a></span></p>
<p><b>BULLETS:</b></p>
<p>Before the game, <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/matthewbmowery/statuses/329666958331092993">Matthew B. Mowery of The Oakland Pess</a> got an <a target="_blank" href="http://sulia.com/channel/detroit-tigers/f/5d50ca70-b8b0-4cee-bcdd-8718413f3845/?source=twitter">interesting quote out of Jim Leyland</a>, comparing popping pimples to waiting for an injury to heal. Neither are ready till they're ready.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"You get a pimple, it ain’t going to pop until it comes to a head. That’s just the way it is. You can squeeze it until the cows come home, but it ain’t going to come out."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Ewwww.</p>
<p><span>Omar Infante</span> was given the day off, resting a tweaked knee. Obviously, <span>Phil Coke</span> was unavailable out of the pen due to being placed on the DL this morning.</p>
<p>Detorit Lions running back and Michigan native Joique Bell threw out the first pitch. He tweeted his strategy.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>RT @<a href="https://twitter.com/joiquebell">joiquebell</a>: Right b4 I threw the 1st pitch @ the Tigers game today. I decided to go with the <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Heater">#Heater</a> can never go wrong there</p>
— Detroit Lions (@DetroitLionsNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/DetroitLionsNFL/status/329661816181493760">May 1, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Denard Robinson take heed.</p>
<p>Melissa's nearly three-year-old nephew breaks down Tigers-Twins mid-game:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>My almost 3-year-old nephew analysis of the Tigers: "That man just swung the bat and hit a home ball team ... (1 of 2)</p>
— Melissa Heyboer (@MelissaHeyboer) <a href="https://twitter.com/MelissaHeyboer/status/329655728379924480">May 1, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>(2/2) "The pitcher runned and throwed the ball because he hit it. That man is playing T-ball!"</p>
— Melissa Heyboer (@MelissaHeyboer) <a href="https://twitter.com/MelissaHeyboer/status/329655849431732224">May 1, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>We need to add Melissa's nephew to the BYB masthead, stat!</p>
<p>The Tigers were without a hit through four. Kurt knows the reason why the Tigers' lineup had become so ineffectual -- no Donnie Baseball.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>@<a href="https://twitter.com/bobwojnowski">bobwojnowski</a> I blame <span>Don Kelly</span></p>
— Bless You Boys (@blessyouboys) <a href="https://twitter.com/blessyouboys/status/329662695601229824">May 1, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Rogo and a former BYB writer both echo my thoughts on the Tigers' failed hit-and-run in the fifth.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Hit & run with a hitter that can't hit and a runner that can't run. Interesting.</p>
— Scott Rogowski (@DNR_Rogo) <a href="https://twitter.com/DNR_Rogo/status/329666485087789056">May 1, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>"I called a hit and run, not a swing and waddle!"</p>
— Matt Wallace (@MattinToledo) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattinToledo/status/329666760741625857">May 1, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p><span>Jose Ortega</span> struck out two in his first appearance, a stark contrast to Rondon. Ortega's first K of the inning was also a record breaker:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>AL-record 6 consecutive games with double-digit strikeouts for <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Tigers">#Tigers</a> pitching. They'll face the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a> the next 4 games.</p>
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) <a href="https://twitter.com/beckjason/status/329685214681001984">May 1, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The Tigers need two more 10 strikeout games against the Astros to tie the MLB record.</p>
<p><b>THREE ROARS:</b></p>
<p><b>Miguiel Cabrera: </b>Supplied the majority of the Tigers' offense with two hits and an RBI.</p>
<p><b><span>Anibal Sanchez</span>: </b>Six innings, three runs, eight punchouts. Pitched into some bad luck and battled his command early, Sanchez still put up a quality start.</p>
<p><b>Jose Ortega:</b> The new call-up pitched a hitless ninth, striking out two, becoming the anti-Rondon to Tigers fans.</p>
<p><b>THREE HISSES:</b></p>
<p><b>Bruce Rondon:</b> Paid the price with a bus ticket to Toledo.</p>
<p><b><span>Brayan Pena</span>:</b> Dropped a sure out at the plate, struck out twice, hitless in three at bats.</p>
<p><b>The Tigers' offense: </b>Six hits just won't cut it.</p>
<p><b>GAME THREAD ROLL CALL:</b></p>
<table>
<thead><tr>
<th colspan="2">Roll Call Info</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="150">Total comments</td>
<td>736</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Total commenters</td>
<td>50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Commenter list</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Avid%20Reader">Avid Reader</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BadCompany22">BadCompany22</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ButternutMI">ButternutMI</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Chadster">Chadster</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/CokeIsMyHeroin">CokeIsMyHeroin</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/Honeyman">Honeyman</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/J_the_Man">J_the_Man</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Kurt%20Mensching">Kurt Mensching</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/Matthew%20Malek">Matthew Malek</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Michigan%26TrumbullinLA">Michigan&TrumbullinLA</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/Riff_Raff">Riff_Raff</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Rob%20Rogacki">Rob Rogacki</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/Sir%20Handel">Sir Handel</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SpartanHT">SpartanHT</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/TheLoneDavid">TheLoneDavid</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/TigerTom">TigerTom</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Tigerdog1">Tigerdog1</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/aarone46">aarone46</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ahtrap">ahtrap</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/bluesabriel">bluesabriel</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/datamonger">datamonger</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/fiendishdr.wu">fiendishdr.wu</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/jgrubbs">jgrubbs</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/johnmoz">johnmoz</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/jon.erkkila.9">jon.erkkila.9</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/momotigers">momotigers</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/mrsunshine">mrsunshine</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/rubberbiscuit">rubberbiscuit</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/tealy213">tealy213</a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Story URLs</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/5/1/4289256/game-26-twins-at-tigers-1-08-p-m">http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/5/1/4289256/game-26-twins-at-tigers-1-08-p-m</a><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/5/1/4290658/game-26-overflow-twins-at-tigers/in/4053471">http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/5/1/4290658/game-26-overflow-twins-at-tigers/in/4053471</a>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><b><br>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>91</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SpartanHT">SpartanHT</a></td>
<td>51</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/H2OPoloPunk">H2OPoloPunk</a></td>
<td>50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/J_the_Man">J_the_Man</a></td>
<td>45</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Rob%20Rogacki">Rob Rogacki</a></td>
<td>44</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/TigerTom">TigerTom</a></td>
<td>38</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Matthew%20Malek">Matthew Malek</a></td>
<td>34</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Chadster">Chadster</a></td>
<td>33</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BadCompany22">BadCompany22</a></td>
<td>30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/rbbaker">rbbaker</a></td>
<td>23</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>6</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Fielder%27sChoice">Fielder'sChoice</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/5/1/4289256/game-26-twins-at-tigers-1-08-p-m#160316953">[no title]</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/TigerTom">TigerTom</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/5/1/4289256/game-26-twins-at-tigers-1-08-p-m#160324471">The only thing he's 'closer'</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ShowingBunt">ShowingBunt</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/5/1/4290658/game-26-overflow-twins-at-tigers/in/4053471#160337663">"Only you can Prevent Dumpster fires"</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Fielder%27sChoice">Fielder'sChoice</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/5/1/4289256/game-26-twins-at-tigers-1-08-p-m#160321117">In play, buggy whip(ped)</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/30/4287686/quick-thoughts-three-stars-lead-tigers-to-victory"><br>GAME 25 PLAYER OF THE GAME:</a></b></p>
<p>Another Justin Verlander start, another player-of-the-game-win, this time with 55% of the BYB vote.</p>
<div class="read-more">
<b>More</b>: <a href="LINK%20LINK%20LINK" target="new">Ray Edwards released</a> <a href="LINK%20LINK%20LINK" target="new">Roethlisberger's hurt</a> <a href="LINK%20LINK%20LINK" target="new">Lots of concussions</a>
</div>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/5/1/4290796/bruce-rondon-demoted-toledo-mud-hens-detroit-tigers-minnesota-twins-putkonen-al-strikeout-recordAl Beaton2013-05-01T16:27:23-04:002013-05-01T16:27:23-04:00Twins 6, Tigers 2: Tigers set K mark, Twins get W
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6V8VIQZUwbU988NWeNygaNUIVIQ=/0x322:4000x2989/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12536765/167849084.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Leon Halip</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Two streaks were on the line for the Tigers against the Twins. The pitching staff's AL record tying five game streak of 10 strikeouts or more in a game and their five game winning streak. Only one streak would survive the afternoon.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Minnesota Twins</a> salvaged the the finale of their three game series with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Detroit Tigers</a>, taking an early lead, then pulling away late to roll to a 6-2 victory. The Tigers win streak ends at five games, but they kept alive their AL record streak of games with 10 strikeouts of more, four pitchers combining for 11 Ks.</p>
<p>Winning pitcher <span>Scott Diamond</span> (2-2) no-hit the Tigers for 4 1/3 innings, ultimately allowing four fits and two runs in six innings of work.</p>
<p>Coming off his masterful 17 strikeout performance against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Braves</a> last week, Tigers starter <span>Anibal Sanchez</span> (3-2) was nicked for three runs in the first two innings by the Twins. Sanchez would settle down, punching out nine Twins in six innings, allowing only the three early runs, but still took the loss.</p>
<p><span>Chris Parmelee</span> led the Twins' 10 hit attack with two hits, a home run and two RBIs, <span>Justin Morneau</span> chipping in two hits and a pair of RBIs.</p>
<p>The Tigers could muster only six hits against four Twins pitchers. <span>Miguel Cabrera</span> was the sole Tiger with more than one hit and had the only RBI.</p>
<p>Two streaks were on the line for the Tigers against the Twins. The pitching staff's AL record tying four game streak of ten strikeouts or more in a game and their five game winning streak.</p>
<p>Only one streak would survive the afternoon. It wouldn't be the one which matters in the standings</p>
<p>The Twins would tack on another three runs against Tigers relievers <span>Bruce Rondon</span> and <span>Darin Downs</span>, to account for all the scoring.</p>
<p>Sanchez started the game right where he left off on Friday, striking out the first two Twins he faced. But his command was not nearly the same as it was on Friday night.</p>
<p>One strike away from ending the inning, Sanchez would walk Josh Willingham. Then the Twins got annoying.</p>
<p>Sanchez once again one strike away from getting out of the inning unscathed, Justin Morneau sliced a 3-2 pitch into the left field corner, the RBI double giving the Twins a 1-0 lead.</p>
<p><span>Ryan Doumit</span> drew a base on balls. Parmelee looped a Twins Hit into short left. <span>Matt Tuiasosopo</span> came up firing, making a perfect throw to Pena to nail Morneau ... if Pena had held onto the ball. Tuiasosopo's throw made it to Pena on the fly, and would have had Morneau by a couple of feet, but Pena out and out dropped the ball while trying to make the tag. Parmelee was credited with an RBI single, the Twins taking a 2-0 lead.</p>
<p>Sanchez would finally get the third out on Oswaldo Arcia's bouncer. It would take Sanchez 41 pitches (21 strikes) to get out of the first inning. Not the start the Tigers wanted to see with their depleted bullpen.</p>
<p>The Tigers would put together their own two out threat in the bottom of the inning. Miguel Cabrera was hit by a pitch (replays showed otherwise, the umpire buying Cabrera's acting job to Ron Gardnehire's dismay), <span>Prince Fielder</span> drawing a walk. Unlike the Twins, the Tigers couldn't capitalize, <span>Victor Martinez</span> flying out to center to end the inning.</p>
<p>The dreaded Twins Hits set a second inning rally in motion for the Twins. Pedro Florimon's dribbler found the hole in the right side for a one out single. Two down and Florimon going on the pitch, Jamey Carroll's ground ball was just inside the third base bag, past a lunging Cabrera. The Twins Hit RBI double plated Florimon and pushed the Twins' lead to 3-0.</p>
<p>While all the above was happening, Sanchez was also striking out the side, giving his five on the day. He also ended the second inning with a pitch count of 56.</p>
<p>The luck Gods stayed on the Twins side in the bottom of the inning. Leading off, Tuiasosopo drilled a line shot which appeared to be headed into center field. Instead, the liner hit Scott Diamond in the leg, who was able to recover quickly enough to throw out Tuiasosopo by half a step.</p>
<p>It was going to be one of those games...</p>
<p>Doumit's one out Twins Hit and stolen base be damned, Sanchez finally kept the Twins off the scoreboard in the third. Could the Tigers' luck be changing?</p>
<p>Not so far, at least at the plate. Diamond ended the third inning having retired seven straight Tigers and had yet to allow a hit,.</p>
<p>Sanchez had his first completely low-stress inning in the fourth, but had a pitch count of 91 hovering over him. The end of his day was quickly nearing.</p>
<p>But Daimond kept the Tigers completely under his control, setting down the middle of the order without issue in the bottom of the fourth. Diamond had now retired 10 straight and not yet allowed a hit.</p>
<p>Sanchez had found his bearings by the middle of the fifth, having tossed another 1-2-3 inning. He had struck out seven, retired eight straight and 10 of 11 since allowing Carroll's RBI double in the 2nd. But, pitch count. He was sitting at 105 pitches, so Darin Downs was warming up in the pen.</p>
<p>At least there would be no no-no for Diamond.</p>
<p>One down in the bottom of the fifth, <span>Jhonny Peralta</span> lashed a 1-1 pitch into right for a hard hit single, the Tigers' first hit of the day and first base runner since Fielder walked in the first inning.</p>
<p>But trying to make something happen, Leyland called the hit and run with Pena at the plate. Once again, luck intervened for the Twins. Daimond's pitch was well out of the strike zone, Pean could only wave at it and Peralta was dead to rights at second.</p>
<p>Hoping to squeeze one more inning out of Sanchez, Leyland sent him out to start the sixth. Sacchez ended the sixth having retired 11 straight Twins, with nine strikeouts, at 115 pitches and having been given the "Handshake of Doom" by Leyland.</p>
<p>It took several innings for the Dynamic Duo at the top of the order to change the tone of the game. They woke up in the sixth.</p>
<p>One down, Austin Jackson ripped a double down the left field line, both the first extra-base hit and Tigers base runner to reach second.</p>
<p>He wasn't there long.</p>
<p><span>Torii Hunter</span> followed by sending a liner through the right side, the RBI single putting the Tigers on the board. Smartly, Hunter advanced to second on the throw home. Hunter's smart base running paid off, as he easily scored on Cabrera's RBI double off the wall in left,</p>
<p>Cabrea took third on Fielder's ground ball to the right side. Martinez almost tied the game at 3-all, his double attempt landing just foul. Diamond would get out of the inning when Martinez grounded to second.</p>
<p>But the Tigers' offense had woken from a game long slumber with three hits and two runs, making the Twins sweat, trailing only 3-2.</p>
<p>Fire-balling rookie Bruce Rondon took over for Sanchez in the seventh. Even though he was touching triple digits on the radar gun, <span>Aaron Hicks</span> pulled a fastball into the right field corner for a lead off triple.</p>
<p>The infield pulled in, Florimon bounced another 100 MPH fastball back up the middle for an RBI single. Two batters into the inning, Rondon had given back a run, the Twins back up 4-2.</p>
<p>The Twins knowing the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.royalsreview.com/">Royals</a> ran at will against Rondon in his last appearance, Florimon immediately stealing second. With one down, still struggling to throw strikes, Rondon gave Carroll a free pass on four pitches, the walked Willingham on five, loading the bases.</p>
<p>Leyland was forced to pull Rondon for Darin Downs, wanting both the lefty-lefty matchup with Morneau and not realyl having any alternatives.</p>
<p>Morneau greeted downs by looping Twins Hit over Peralta, the RBI single pushing the Twins' lead back to three runs at 5-2.</p>
<p>Downs kept the damage to a minimum thanks to Cabrera starting an around-the-horn 5-4-3 douible play off the bat of Doumit. Downs got the double play he needed, just one batter too late.</p>
<p>Yep, it was one of those games...</p>
<p>The Tigers were unable to counter in the bottom of the seventh against ex-Tiger Casey Fien, going down in order.</p>
<p>Parmelee tacked on an insurance run off Downs in the top of the eighth, clobbering a no-doubt solo shot to deep right. His second home run of the season pushed the Twins' lead to 6-2, which would be your final score.</p>
<p>Game essentially over.</p>
<p>The newest Tiger, just called up <span>Jose Ortega</span>, made a far better impression than Rondon. Ortega pitched the ninth, retiring the Twins in order, striking out two. The two punchouts also gave the Tigers the AL record for most consecutive games by a pitching staff with 10 or more strikeouts with six.</p>
<p>Cabrera and Fielder made things interesting in the bottom of the ninth against Twins closer <span>Glen Perkins</span> in a non-save situation, leading off with back-to back singles.</p>
<p>But all hope was extinguished when Carroll nabbed Martinez's hard hit ground ball to third, and quickly turning a 5-4-3 double play.</p>
<p>Game over ... as was a really damn good home stand. The Tigers head back on the road after going 6-2 at home, winning two series and splitting the other.</p>
<p>I'll take it.</p>
<p>The Tigers' winning streak over at five games, they fall to 15-11 on the season. The 14-10 Royals lead the Tigers by .007 pf a percentage point ( .583 to .576) in the AL Central.</p>
<p>The Twins are back at .500, a level 12-12, 2 1/2 back in third place.</p>
<p>The Tigers now hit the road for six games against the Astros and Nationals, starting with four in Houston beginning tomorrow night. Rick Porcello (1-2) will face a pitcher to be determined, the Astros yet to announce their starter. First pitch is 8:10 PM.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/5/1/4290124/twins-6-tigers-2-tigers-set-al-strikeout-record-but-twins-get-the-winAl Beaton2013-05-01T15:52:26-04:002013-05-01T15:52:26-04:00GIF: Torii Hunter puts on his suit and tie
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ynM6tlVMGK8W1btFTWkprb91pO4=/1x0:3998x2665/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12535153/20130501_jla_aa1_084.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Tigers have been getting down to business all season long, and Torii Hunter adjusted his tie after scoring a run in the sixth inning today.</p> <p><span>Torii Hunter</span> has brought a business-like attitude to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a>' ball club this year. With a business-like attitude, you need business-like attire.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2560651/Hunter_suitandtie.gif"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2560651/Hunter_suitandtie.gif" class="photo" alt="Hunter_suitandtie_medium"></a></p>
<p>Meanwhile, <span>Don Kelly</span> just seems like the kind of guy that would wear a suit everyday if he didn't have to wear his uniform. The Mad Men parody needs to happen.</p>
<p>It still doesn't beat this, though.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1584643/prince_miggy_handshake.gif"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1584643/prince_miggy_handshake.gif" class="photo" alt="Prince_miggy_handshake_medium"></a></p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/5/1/4290800/gif-torii-hunter-suit-and-tieRob Rogacki2013-05-01T15:12:31-04:002013-05-01T15:12:31-04:00Game 26 Overflow: Twins at Tigers
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fQrh0rAi5iUdArke0kloCS_19mQ=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47827729/large_blessyouboys.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Stuff that happened:</p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Twins</a> scored three runs off <span>Anibal Sanchez</span> in the first two innings, who threw a ton of pitches.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Sanchez calmed down to pitch through six innings, allowing just the three runs.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a> got two runs back in the bottom of the sixth inning on an RBI single from <span>Torii Hunter</span> and an RBI double from <span>Miguel Cabrera</span>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;"><span>Bruce Rondon</span> allowed a run in the top of the seventh before departing.</span></li>
</ul>
<p>Thread stuff that happened:</p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">We discuss the man, the myth, the legend: GWilson</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">A squirrel is sacrificed to end Scott Diamond's no-hitter</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">People misquote Animal House</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Suggestions for changing racist team names</span></li>
</ul>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/5/1/4290658/game-26-overflow-twins-at-tigersRob Rogacki2013-05-01T12:30:06-04:002013-05-01T12:30:06-04:00Game 26: Twins at Tigers, 1:08 p.m.
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/f7AZMyHVT_NfLIK0eyQ0uKQo4eE=/0x1111:2667x2889/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12510395/20130426_jla_aa1_385.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/5/1/4287342/2013-game-26-preview-minnesota-twins-at-detroit-tigers">Game 26 Preview</a></p> <p><br></p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget current_series clearfix"> <h3>Current Series</h3> <div class="pane-body"> <h4>Tigers lead the series 2-0</h4> <table class="zebra"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="td-first">Mon 04/29</td> <td> WP: <span>Max Scherzer</span> (3 - 0) <br> SV: <span>Joaquin Benoit</span> <br> LP: <span>Mike Pelfrey</span> (2 - 3) <br> </td> <td class="td-last"><span>4 - 3 win</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-first">Tue 04/30</td> <td> WP: <span>Justin Verlander</span> (3 - 2) <br> LP: <span>Vance Worley</span> (0 - 4) <br> </td> <td class="td-last"><span>6 - 1 win</span></td> </tr> <tr style="background: none;"><td colspan="3" style="background: none;"><div class="pane sports_data_widget next_game clearfix"><div class="pane-body"> <p class="game-title"><a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Minnesota Twins</a> <span class="blog-hover-link" id="blog_icon_1323173208"><a href="http://www.twinkietown.com/"><img class="sbnstar" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/images/icons/red-star.v37b17e2.png"></a><span class="blog-hover-menu" id="blog_icon_1323173208_menu" style="display: none;"><span class="img"><a href="http://www.twinkietown.com/"><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/community_logos/21819/tt-sm.jpg" alt="Tt-sm"></a></span><span><a href="http://www.twinkietown.com/">Twinkie Town</a></span></span></span> <br> <span class="blog_link">@ <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Detroit Tigers</a> <span class="blog-hover-link" id="blog_icon_356375806"><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/"><img class="sbnstar" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/images/icons/red-star.v37b17e2.png"></a><span class="blog-hover-menu" id="blog_icon_356375806_menu" style="display: none;"><span class="img"><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/community_logos/47589/blessyouboys_m.png" alt="Blessyouboys_m"></a></span><span><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/">Bless You Boys</a></span></span></span> </span></p> <p class="game-info"><span>Wednesday, May 1, 2013, 1:08 PM EDT</span><br> Comerica Park</p> <p class="pitchers"><span>Scott Diamond</span> vs <span>Anibal Sanchez</span></p> <p class="weather"> Sunny. Winds blowing in from center field at 5-15 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 70.</p> <p class="foot clearfix"><span class="link-more"><span>Complete Coverage ></span></span></p> </div></div></td></tr> </tbody> </table> </div> </div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p><br><br><br>Tigers lineup: Jackson 8, Hunter 9, Cabrera 5, Fielder 3, Martinez DH, Tuiasosopo 7, Peralta 6, Pena 2, Santiago 4</p>
<p>Twins lineup: Dozier 2B, Carroll 3B, Willingham DH, Morneau 1B, Doumit C, Parmelee RF, Arcia LF, Hicks CF, Florimon SS</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/5/1/4289256/game-26-twins-at-tigers-1-08-p-mallikazoo2013-05-01T09:30:10-04:002013-05-01T09:30:10-04:00Game 26 Preview: Twins at Tigers
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZfGxxvpJh3MO-KlL9fqmG_d8J0Q=/0x701:3177x2819/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12482851/167608360.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Hannah Foslien</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Anibal Sanchez will look to follow up his masterful performance against the Braves with another win today in the series finale against the Twins.</p> <h4>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Minnesota Twins</a> (11-12) at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Detroit Tigers</a> (16-10)</h4>
<p><b>Time/Place:</b> 1:08 p.m., Comerica Park</p>
<p><b>SB Nation blog:</b> <a href="http://www.twinkietown.com" target="_blank">Twinkie Town</a></p>
<p><b>Media:</b> Fox Sports Detroit, <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/mediacenter/index.jsp?c_id=mlb&affiliateId=mlbMENU#date=5/1/2013" 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>Scott Diamond</span> (1-2, 4.32 ERA) vs. RHP <span>Anibal Sanchez</span> (3-1, 1.34 ERA)</p>
<p>Diamond missed the first two weeks of the season while recovering from offseason elbow surgery, making this the first time that the Tigers have seen him this season. He wasn't very sharp in his last start, allowing 12 hits against the <a href="https://www.lonestarball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Texas Rangers</a> in 6 1/3 innings. He only allowed three runs, in large part due to some excellent defense behind him. The Twins turned two double plays and threw out two Ranger baserunners at the plate with him on the mound. He still has yet to throw 100 pitches in a start, topping out at 97 pitches in each of his last two appearances.</p>
<p>Diamond was excellent in his three starts against the Tigers last year, allowing five earned runs in 21 1/3 innings. He allowed four of those five runs in two starts at Comerica Park, but worked deep into the game in both outings. His arsenal isn't particularly deep, consisting of just a four-seam fastball, curveball, and changeup. He throws the fastball roughly two-thirds of the time, but does an excellent job of spotting it on the outside half of the plate. He will throw the curveball a lot to both right and left-handed hitters, but uses the changeup exclusively against righties.</p>
<p>Across the diamond, Anibal Sanchez is throwing his changeup to anyone he damn well pleases because it has been flat-out ridiculous in 2013. His changeup has been 4.5 runs above average so far, which is already the third-highest total of his career. He leads the majors in this category, with some guy named <span>Doug Fister</span> currently sitting in second. Opposing hitters are swinging and missing 20% of the time he throws the changeup, which is astounding in itself. However, when hitters choose to swing at said changeup, they are whiffing an astounding 42.9% of the time, putting their contact rate on that pitch at about 57%. By comparison, league-average contact rates sit in the high 70s.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1583705/image.jpg"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1583705/image_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="Image_medium"></a></p>
<p><i> via <a href="http://mgoblog.com/sites/mgoblog.com/files/image.jpg">mgoblog.com</a></i></p>
<p>Yeah, it's like that right now.</p>
<p><b>Last time Sanchez stepped onto a mound, bad things happened</b></p>
<p>...to the <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Braves</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1583699/location_php.gif"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1583699/location_php_medium.gif" class="photo" alt="Location_php_medium"></a></p>
<p><i> via <a href="http://www.brooksbaseball.net/pfxVB/location.php?pitchSel=434671&game=gid_2013_04_26_atlmlb_detmlb_1/&batterX=0&innings=yyyyyyyyy&sp_type=1&s_type=4">www.brooksbaseball.net</a></i></p>
<p>This is a work of art.</p>
<p><b>Outlook</b></p>
<p>Diamond was able to hold the Tigers in check last season, but he might be the right guy in the wrong place today. The Tigers offense is rolling and he's facing one of the hottest pitchers in baseball right now in Sanchez. Anibal baffled the Twins in his first start, holding them to just two hits in five innings in Minnesota. Sanchez has also taken a liking to Comerica, racking up a 5-2 record and 2.81 ERA in eight career starts in Detroit. Diamond might have to throw a shutout to have a shot at a 'W' today.</p>
<p><b>Prediction</b></p>
<p>The Tigers pick up a second consecutive sweep thanks to another strong outing from Sanchez.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/5/1/4287342/2013-game-26-preview-minnesota-twins-at-detroit-tigersRob Rogacki