Bless You Boys - Game 41: Indians 6, Tigers 2A detailed list of nope about the Detroit Tigershttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47585/default.png2014-05-20T23:13:14-04:00http://www.blessyouboys.com/rss/stream/54975532014-05-20T23:13:14-04:002014-05-20T23:13:14-04:00Indians 6, Tigers 2: Cleveland rocks Verlander
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<figcaption>David Richard-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Indians cruised to a second straight win over Tigers. Justin Verlander allowed a season-high 11 hits and five runs in just six innings, while the offense could muster just two solo home runs off call-up Trevor Bauer. </p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Detroit Tigers</a> matched their season-high losing streak of two games by falling to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Cleveland Indians</a> 6-2. The victory guarantees the Tigers their first road series loss in five weeks. The Tigers last failed to at least split a series on the road when they dropped 2-of-3 to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">San Diego Padres</a> on April 11-13.</p>
<p>Called up from Triple-A Columbus this afternoon, <span>Trevor Bauer</span> (W, 1-1) (and his career big league ERA of 5.03) made the trip worthwhile. Bauer pitched into the seventh to earn the victory, scattering seven hits while allowing two runs and striking out five.</p>
<p>Tigers starter <span>Justin Verlander</span> (L, 5-3) had a rocky first and second innings, putting team in a hole which proved too deep. The veteran right-hander held the Tribe scoreless after surrendering five early runs, saving the bullpen somewhat by lasting six innings. But the early struggles were more than enough for Verlander to earn his third loss of the season. Verlander was charged with five runs, giving up a season-high 11 hits and walking three, striking out just two.</p>
<div class="pullquote">"These are major league hitters. You don't get ahead, you're putting them in the driver's seat." "Even when you're as good as Justin is." <span>-<span>Brad Ausmus</span></span>
</div>
<p>An all-lefty Indians lineup out-hit the Tigers 12-7, five runs in the first two innings carrying them to a win. Cleveland was led by the top of their order, <span>Michael Bourn</span> and <span>Asdrubal Cabrera</span> combining on a 4-for-8, two-runs-scored, two-RBI night. <span>Mike Aviles</span> had only one hit, but it was a game-breaking two-RBI double in the four-run second. <span>David Murphy</span> capped off the scoring with a solo home run in the seventh.</p>
<p><span>Alex Avila</span> led Detroit's meager offense by reaching base three times on two hits and walk, including a long solo home run. Torii Hunter supplied the remainder of the scoring with a solo shot of his own. <span>Ian Kinsler</span> was the only other Tiger to reach base more than once, chipping in two singles.</p>
<p>Baseball sure s a funny game. Or as the case was tonight, frustrating as all get out.</p>
<p>The Tigers came into Cleveland on unicorns and rainbows, wearing Zubaz while riding high with a six-game winning streak and 11 consecutive road victories. On the flip, the Indians had been destroyed in a three-game sweep by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/">Oakland Athletics</a>, losing four in a row and 6-of-8.</p>
<p>So baseball being baseball, the Tribe wake up and the Tigers go into a mini-funk, taking the first two games of the series.</p>
<p>No matter what happens tomorrow, the road trip will have been a successful one. Anytime you're above break-even on the road, you'll take it and run the Hell home.</p>
<p>But it sure would be nice if the Tigers could avoid a sweep with one win over the hated Tribe.</p>
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<p>Top of the first and one out, all Tribe starting pitcher Trevor Bauer could do was watch as Torii Hunter launched a no-doubt solo home run, the ball sailing over the scoreboard in deep left center. Hunter's sixth big fly of the season gave the Tigers a 1-0 lead (<a target="_blank" href="http://t.co/3Fm6RrQITo">MLB.com video</a>).</p>
<p>Facing a batting order stacked with left-handed bats, Justin Verlander gave the run right back. Back-to-back-to-back one-out singles Asdrubal Cabrera, last night's hero <span>Michael Brantley</span> and <span>Lonnie Chisenhall</span> knotted the game at 1-all.</p>
<p>Runners on the corners and still only one down, Verlander avoided what could have been a much-worse inning by inducing David Murphy, to bounce into a 4-6-3 double play.</p>
<p>Bottom of two, <span>Carlos Santana</span> ripped a smash off the glove of <span>Miguel Cabrera</span>, which rolled 20 or so feet down the right field line. Cabrera jogged after the ball, Santana deciding to make the turn and take off for second. When Cabrera got to the ball, he turned around and fired a strike to <span>Danny Worth</span>, nailing Santana. Cabrera either lollygagged and got lucky, or baited Santana into running. It all depends upon your interpretation. Regardless, rule it a single and a Cabrera assist on the putout.</p>
<p>Either way, it was a good thing Cabrera made the play, as Verlander was scuffling badly. <span>Nick Swisher</span> followed Santana's TOOTBLAN with a double into the right field corner. He then went to a full count on Gomes before issuing a walk.</p>
<p>Mike Aviles made Verlander pay with a line drive into the left field gap, good for a double, two runs, and a 3-1 Indians lead, one they would never relinquish. Verlander had given up six hits, a walk and three runs in one trip through the Cleveland order.</p>
<p>Nothing changed the second time around for Verlander. Michael Bourn backed up Aviles' double with one of his own off the right field wall to make it 4-1 Indians.</p>
<p>Bourn proceeded to swipe third without a throw. The shelling of Verlander continued with a RBI single off the bat of the other Cabrera to make it a 5-1 game.</p>
<p>A brutal two innings came to an end on a fly ball and pop up, but the Tigers were down 5-1.</p>
<p>While Verlander was pitching like <span>Rick Porcello</span> circa anytime-against-the-<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.halosheaven.com/">Angels</a>-2013, the Tigers' bats were doing little against Bauer. Ian Kinsler singled with one out in the third, but was eliminated when Hunter bounced into an inning-ending 4-6-3 twin killing.</p>
<p>After a 33-pitch second and the Tigers running with a short bullpen due to keeping <span>Robbie Ray</span> on the roster, Verlander was need of an easy inning. So, of course, he walked the lead-off man, Murphy.</p>
<p>One down, Swisher singled to put runners on the corners. It was the ninth hit of the night for the Indians. The most Verlander had given up in a game all season was eight.</p>
<p>As Detroit Pistons fans were losing their minds over losing their draft pick because the Cleveland Cavaliers had leap-frogged all the way to the top selection in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba-draft">NBA draft</a>, Verlander was finally gathering himself. He retired the last two batters of the inning, stranding a pair and keeping the Tigers within shouting distance at 5-1.</p>
<p>Top of four, the Tigers wasted a Cabrera lead-off double, Bauer retiring the next three batters in order.</p>
<p>Verlander was still struggling along in the bottom half of the inning, serving up a lead off-double to Bourn (which <span>Austin Jackson</span> played as if he were channeling Torii Hunter) and walking the other Cabrera. Verlander would again pitch out of trouble without allowing a run, but his pitch count was an ugly 90 through four.</p>
<p>As bad as it looked at times, the Tigers were not out of the game. That became even more true when Alex Avila hit an outright bomb to lead off the fifth, his third home run of the season pulling the Tigers within three. The monstrous fly ball cleared the 19-foot-high wall in center field over 410 feet away (<a target="_blank" href="http://t.co/BYJOuwUxxS">MLB.com video</a>).</p>
<p>The Tigers appeared to be on the verge of a rally when Worth singled after Avila's tape-measure job. Kinsler ripped a one-out line drive off the left field wall. But Brantley played the ball perfectly, throwing out Kinsler at second. The TOOTBLAN left Worth on third with two outs. Hunter bounced to short, ending what had been a promising inning.</p>
<p>Bottom of five, Verlander allowed a two-out double to Gomes as his pitch count soared over 100. Yet Verlander stranded a runner in scoring position for a third straight inning. Aviles popped up to send the game into the sixth with the score still 5-2 Tribe.</p>
<div class="pullquote">"He's a warrior. He'll keep pitching till you drag him off." <span>-Ausmus on Justin Verlander</span>
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<p>Verlander was far from sharp, allowing 11 hits and three walks in just five innings. At the very least he was eating up a few frames and not allowing any more runs. But a pitch count of 105 meant the game would be on the arms of a short-handed bullpen after six innings.</p>
<p>Bauer gave the Tigers hope in the sixth by issuing back-to-back one out walks to <span>Victor Martinez</span> and Jackson. Castellanos had a chance to tie the game with one swing of the bat. Instead, the rookie's slump continued. A weak swing sent a bouncer to first, Swisher starting a 3-6-1 double play.</p>
<p>Castellanos was originally called safe, but Terry Francona challenged. As had everything sports related today, the call went in Cleveland's direction. The play at first was so close it could have gone either way.</p>
<p>Verlander ended an odd night in the bottom of the sxith, wrapping up a 116-pitch start with his only 1-2-3 inning of the game.</p>
<p>Top of seven, Avila singed to lead off the inning. Francona immediately went to the bullpen, replacing Bauer with <span>Bryan Shaw</span>.</p>
<p>Avila on first with one out, Davis absolutely smoked a line drive ... right at Swisher, who stepped on the bag for an inning-ending double play. If you weren't sure before, you could no longer deny it was Cleveland's night.</p>
<p><span>Evan Reed</span> got the ball in the seventh (finishing the game for Detroit, saving the rest of the bullpen), but couldn't keep the Tribe off the scoreboard. He served up a one-out solo shot to Murphy, the Indians extending their lead to 6-2.</p>
<p>It had been some time since we've seen such a "meh" performance from the Tigers, so I can understand how Melissa was feeling on the BYB Twitter.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>I have decided I no longer want to watch this game.</p>
— Bless You Boys (@blessyouboys) <a href="https://twitter.com/blessyouboys/statuses/468929688111677441">May 21, 2014</a>
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<p>Well said. RT <a href="https://twitter.com/NeilWeinberg44">@NeilWeinberg44</a>: I don't mind losing as much as I mind the Indians winning.</p>
— Bless You Boys (@blessyouboys) <a href="https://twitter.com/blessyouboys/statuses/468930047035064321">May 21, 2014</a>
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<p>The normally never-say-die Tigers did not have a comeback left in them, for one night anyway.</p>
<p>Between Shaw and <span>Cody Allen</span>, the Tribe bullpen did not allow a base runner over the final three innings, retiring the last nine Tigers in order.</p>
<p>Game over.</p>
<p>Your final score is Indians 6, Tigers 2.</p>
<p>Post game, Brad Ausmus summed the night up with one sentence:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Can't blame anyone for anything, we just got beat today."</p>
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<p>Game three serves as both the series finale and an afternoon affair. In what appears to be a mismatch on paper, <span>Max Scherzer</span> take the ball for the Tigers, and right-hander <span>Zach McAllister</span> gets the nod for the Indians.</p>
<p>McAllister began the season a house afire, 3-0 with a 2.28 ERA in his first four starts. He's been a dumpster fire ever since, 0-4 and a sky-high 8.72 ERA in his last five appearances. McAllister is coming off the shortest start of his career, serving up eight runs in only 1 1/3 innings in a 11-1 loss to the Athletics.</p>
<p>Scherzer started his salary drive six starts ago, firing up <a target="_blank" href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/mlb/news/20140515/awards-watch-cy-young-johnny-cueto-masahiro-tanaka-max-scherzer/#all">talk of a second Cy Young</a> (and discussion as to just how large a contract he'll get in free agency). He's won six consecutive starts, allowing just six earned runs in 39 innings, for a 1.38 ERA.</p>
<p>Wednesday's first pitch on Getaway Day is an earlier than normal 12:05 PM.</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>WIN PROBABILITY GRAPH:</b></p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.fangraphs.com/graphframe.aspx?config=0&static=0&type=livewins&num=0&h=450&w=450&date=2014-05-20&team=Indians&dh=0" scrolling="no" style="border:1px solid black;" width="450" frameborder="0" height="450"></iframe><br><span>Source: <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/livewins.aspx?date=2014-05-20&team=Indians&dh=0&season=2014">FanGraphs</a></span></p>
<p><b>BULLETS:</b></p>
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<p>Miguel Cabrera played in his 1700th career game last night. His stats remain almost identical to Hank Aaron.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>First 1,700 career games Hank Aaron .321/.377/.567 818 XBH (375 HR) & 1,240 RBI Miguel Cabrera .321/.398/.567 812 XBH (372 HR) & 1,299 RBI</p>
— MLB Play Index (@BRefPlayIndex) <a href="https://twitter.com/BRefPlayIndex/statuses/468588197736628225">May 20, 2014</a>
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<p>While Justin Verlander was getting raked over during the second inning, ESPN Stats and Info tweeted a little good news.</p>
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<p><span>Torii Hunter's</span> HR was calculated at 445 feet. It is the longest homerun by a Tigers player this season.</p>
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo/statuses/468903293419532288">May 20, 2014</a>
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<p>How upset was our SB Nation sister blog, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Detroit Bad Boys</a>, with the city of Cleveland tonight? More upset than Tigers fans. Upset as in wanting the Mistake on the Lake wiped from the earth.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>We just lost our pick NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO</p>
— Detroit Bad Boys ☠ (@detroitbadboys) <a href="https://twitter.com/detroitbadboys/statuses/468908950604484608">May 21, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p>Can someone call the dugout and ask Justin Verlander to hit every Indians hitter until my rage subsides? <a href="https://twitter.com/blessyouboys">@blessyouboys</a></p>
— Detroit Bad Boys ☠ (@detroitbadboys) <a href="https://twitter.com/detroitbadboys/statuses/468925377642233859">May 21, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
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<p><i>Streaks and stats: </i></p>
<p>Over the final two innings of his last start and the first two innings tonight, Justin Verlander was rocked for 10 runs, 12 hits and two walks.</p>
<p>In his last two starts covering just 11 innings pitched, Verlander has had two frames with crooked numbers. He gave up five in the fifth against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.camdenchat.com/">Orioles</a> last Wednesday, then four more in the second inning tonight.</p>
<p>Miguel Cabrera extended his hitting streak to 11 games with a fourth-inning double.</p>
<p>The two-base hit was the 244th of Cabrera's Tigers career. That ties him with Harvey Kuenn for 11th in franchise history.</p>
<p><b>TWO ROARS:</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>Alex Avila: </b>Smashed a long home run and reached base three times tonight, Avila raising his OBP to a slick .365. But being he's only hitting .240, that makes him a bad offensive player, if your typical sports talk radio caller is to be believed.</p>
<p><b>Ian Kinsler: </b>Yes, he had a TOOTBLAN. But Kinsler was the only Tiger other than Avila to have more than one hit.</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>THREE HISSES:</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>Justin Verlander: </b>An unpleasant-to-watch, extremely inefficient outing for Verlander, allowing five earned runs for a second straight start. Verlander still owns the highest ERA in the rotation at a respectable, but un-Verlander-like, 3.55.</p>
<p><b><span>Nick Castellanos</span>:</b> The league has adjusted to Castellanos, who is no longer hitting the ball hard and unable to draw walks. An 0-for-4 night drops the rookie's slash line to an ugly .236/.259/.378.</p>
<p><b>The city of Cleveland:</b> The Mistake by the Lake took a shiv to the city of Detroit tonight. Obviously, the Indians won in dominant fashion, making the Tigers look mortal for the first time in weeks. But on the hoops side of the ledger, the Cleveland Cavaliers won the NBA draft lottery, despite owning a 1.7% chance. Worse, the Cavs took the lottery for the third time in four years. Making it all the more excruciating was the Cavs moving up cost the Detroit Pistons their first round draft pick altogether. All in all, it was a rotten night in Detroit sports thanks to that city across Lake Erie.</p>
<p>If you want to catch up on the basketball drama, I highly recommend checking out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Detroit Bad Boys</a>.</p>
<p><b>BONUS HISS: </b></p>
<p><b>A noon start after a night game:</b> What the HELL, Cleveland?</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>ROLL CALL:</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
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<td width="150">Total comments</td>
<td>637</td>
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<td>Total commenters</td>
<td>50</td>
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<td>Commenter list</td>
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</td>
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<td>Story URLs</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/20/5734640/game-41-tigers-at-indians-7-05-p-m">http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/20/5734640/game-41-tigers-at-indians-7-05-p-m</a><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/20/5736472/game-41-overflow">http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/20/5736472/game-41-overflow</a>
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<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>TOP 11 COMMENTERS:</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
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<th>#</th> <th>Commenter</th> <th># Comments </th>
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<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SanDiegoMick">SanDiegoMick</a></td>
<td>88</td>
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<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Rafael%20Tigers">Rafael Tigers</a></td>
<td>45</td>
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<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Joaquin%20on%20Sunshine">Joaquin on Sunshine</a></td>
<td>39</td>
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<td>4</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/JohnnyWockenfuss">JohnnyWockenfuss</a></td>
<td>36</td>
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<td>5</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Verlanderful">Verlanderful</a></td>
<td>36</td>
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<td>6</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/NCDee">NCDee</a></td>
<td>34</td>
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<td>7</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/texastigerfan">texastigerfan</a></td>
<td>29</td>
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<td>8</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Alex%20Baker">Alex Baker</a></td>
<td>24</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/stevenyc">stevenyc</a></td>
<td>19</td>
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<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/lithium">lithium</a></td>
<td>18</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Singledigit">Singledigit</a></td>
<td>18</td>
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</tbody>
</table>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>TOP RECS:</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<table>
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<th># Recs</th> <th>Commenter</th> <th>Comment Link </th>
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<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Naysayer%20N%20San%20Diego">Naysayer N San Diego</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/20/5736472/game-41-overflow#235303233">watching this makes me feel good about max turning down the 144 mil.</a></td>
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<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Rob%20Rogacki">Rob Rogacki</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/20/5734640/game-41-tigers-at-indians-7-05-p-m#235280893">C-C-C-C-C-COMBO BREAKER</a></td>
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<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/stevenyc">stevenyc</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/20/5734640/game-41-tigers-at-indians-7-05-p-m#235280109">Suddenly I feel less 10's</a></td>
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<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/subic%20sailor">subic sailor</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/20/5734640/game-41-tigers-at-indians-7-05-p-m#235276463">TGAE X2</a></td>
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<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Verlanderful">Verlanderful</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/20/5736472/game-41-overflow#235297571">Miggy ties Joe Morgan with 813 XBH</a></td>
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<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/JohnnyWockenfuss">JohnnyWockenfuss</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/20/5736472/game-41-overflow#235304125">By throwing them right down the middle, you mean?</a></td>
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<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/NCDee">NCDee</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/20/5734640/game-41-tigers-at-indians-7-05-p-m#235279301">That does not belong to Hawk</a></td>
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<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/J_the_Man">J_the_Man</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/20/5736472/game-41-overflow#235296743">Here are some Irish dancing monkeys to distract you from this dumpster fire</a></td>
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<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Toivo">Toivo</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/20/5734640/game-41-tigers-at-indians-7-05-p-m#235278123">Yes, that's "Romaine" as in "lettuce bench him for now".</a></td>
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<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/lithium">lithium</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/20/5734640/game-41-tigers-at-indians-7-05-p-m#235290271">So uh</a></td>
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<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Jacob30">Jacob30</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/20/5734640/game-41-tigers-at-indians-7-05-p-m#235287525">His command has been off all year, he just has gotten lucky on homers</a></td>
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<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/dominator039">dominator039</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/20/5734640/game-41-tigers-at-indians-7-05-p-m#235284289">Miggy is a master baiter</a></td>
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<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Joaquin%20on%20Sunshine">Joaquin on Sunshine</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/20/5734640/game-41-tigers-at-indians-7-05-p-m#235292861">Oh, for sure</a></td>
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<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/FrogTownFan">FrogTownFan</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/20/5734640/game-41-tigers-at-indians-7-05-p-m#235282261">[no title]</a></td>
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<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/stevenyc">stevenyc</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/20/5734640/game-41-tigers-at-indians-7-05-p-m#235278629">I think you mean ku-diez to him</a></td>
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<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Alex%20Baker">Alex Baker</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/20/5734640/game-41-tigers-at-indians-7-05-p-m#235281311">it happened in Gotham</a></td>
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<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/NCDee">NCDee</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/20/5734640/game-41-tigers-at-indians-7-05-p-m#235285323">[no title]</a></td>
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<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/20/5732748/indians-5-tigers-4-road-win-streak-ends-with-extra-innings-walk-off-loss" target="new">GAME 40</a> PLAYER OF THE GAME:</b></p>
<p><b> </b> Thanks to his ninth-inning pinch-hit home run which sent the game into extra-innings, <span>J.D. Martinez</span> took PotG with 70% of the vote.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/20/5736254/indians-6-tigers-2-cleveland-rocks-verlander-detroit-loses-second-straight-gameAl Beaton2014-05-20T20:18:34-04:002014-05-20T20:18:34-04:00Game 41 Overflow
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3SGokAmbUbDr9kkzqHX-RbneYvg=/0x72:381x326/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/33299881/2d8df44.0.jpg" />
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<p>Let's hit it!</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/20/5736472/game-41-overflowNCDee2014-05-20T19:47:08-04:002014-05-20T19:47:08-04:00GIF: Torii Hunter homers, bat flips
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/becD3Uc4myBm2XIzqVkbdwpu2Mc=/0x331:4000x2998/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/33298907/20140516_ajl_ad7_035.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Hunter homered off young right-hander Trevor Bauer in the top of the first inning.</p> <p>Watching home runs that go a long way is a lot of fun. Watching home runs that go a long way that are accompanied by celebratory bat flips are even better. <span>Torii Hunter</span> provided the latter earlier tonight.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4485093/Torii_batflip_5-20-14.gif"><img src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4485093/Torii_batflip_5-20-14.gif" class="photo" alt="Torii_batflip_5-20-14_medium"></a></p>
<p>Meanwhile, cameras caught Hunter talking to the baseball as it was on the way to the plate.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4485109/Torii_Hunter_Imma_whoop_yo_ass.gif"><img src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4485109/Torii_Hunter_Imma_whoop_yo_ass.gif" class="photo" alt="Torii_hunter_imma_whoop_yo_ass_medium"></a><br id="1400629482110"></p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/20/5736342/gif-torii-hunter-bat-flip-tigers-indiansRob Rogacki2014-05-20T09:00:28-04:002014-05-20T09:00:28-04:00Game 41 Preview: Tigers at Indians
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QKdXnLROI4wtXcnNYO3P6_87l5Q=/0x0:3999x2666/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/33197065/483622547.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jason Miller</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The road winning streak is over, but the nine-game road trip goes on. Justin Verlander and Trevor Bauer face off in Cleveland tonight.</p> <h4>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Detroit Tigers</a> (27-13) at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Cleveland Indians</a> (20-25)</h4>
<p><b>Time/Place:</b> 7:05 p.m., Progressive Field</p>
<p><b>SB Nation blog:</b> <a href="http://www.letsgotribe.com" target="_blank">Let's Go Tribe</a></p>
<p><b>Media:</b> Fox Sports Detroit, <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/mediacenter/index.jsp?c_id=mlb&affiliateId=mlbMENU#date=5/19/2014" 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> RHP <span>Justin Verlander</span> (5-2, 3.15 ERA) vs. RHP <span>Trevor Bauer</span> (0-1, 1.50 ERA)</p>
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Pitcher</td>
<td>GS</td>
<td>IP</td>
<td>K/9</td>
<td>BB/9</td>
<td>HR/9</td>
<td>WHIP</td>
<td>FIP</td>
<td>SIERA</td>
<td>fWAR</td>
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<td>Verlander</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>60.0</td>
<td>7.05</td>
<td>3.60</td>
<td>0.30</td>
<td>1.33</td>
<td>3.15</td>
<td>4.32</td>
<td>1.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bauer</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>6.0</td>
<td>12.00</td>
<td>3.00</td>
<td>0.00</td>
<td>1.00</td>
<td>1.91</td>
<td>2.75</td>
<td>0.3</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Trevor Bauer is one of several highly-rated prospects that <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Arizona Diamondbacks</a> general manager Kevin Towers <strike>grew tired of</strike> has traded away during his tenure. Last season, Towers looked like a genius, as Bauer allowed a 5.29 ERA and 7.05 FIP in four major league starts. He was not much better in the minor leagues, giving up a 4.15 ERA in 121 1/3 innings. After retooling his delivery during the offseason, Bauer is back to looking like a top-10 prospect. He dazzled in his only start for the Indians this year, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out eight in six innings. His minor league numbers are just as shiny, with a 2.15 ERA in seven starts.</p>
<p>The biggest step for Bauer this season hasn't been the results themselves, but rather the significant drop in walk rate. Last year he walked 5.4 batters per nine innings at Triple-A Columbus. This year, he has cut that rate in half, with 14 walks in 46 innings of work. He only walked two batters in his first major league start as well, after allowing 16 base on balls in just 17 big league innings last season. He has the stuff to be successful in the strike zone, with a mid-90s fastball and a grab-bag of off-speed offerings. He has made major strides in <a href="http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=23286" target="_blank">fixing his wonky mechanics</a>, and could be a difficult matchup for years to come.</p>
<p>Progressive Field has not been kind to Justin Verlander throughout his career. He is 9-10 with a 5.26 ERA in 20 career road starts against the Indians, though still boasts a respectable 3.11 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Tribe batters have a .732 OPS against Verlander at Progressive, nearly 100 points higher than his career OPS allowed of .657. Things have gotten much better in the past few years, however. Verlander is 5-2 with a 3.56 ERA and 5.10 strikeout-to-walk ratio in Cleveland since the start of 2011. He has not been sharp lately, however. In his last four starts, Verlander has allowed 13 earned runs and 20 strikeouts to 12 walks in 27 innings of work.</p>
<p><b>Hitter to fear:</b> <span>Michael Brantley</span> (.390/.432/.463 in 44 plate appearances)<br><b>Hitter to fail:</b> <span>Asdrubal Cabrera</span> (.211/.274/.298 in 64 plate appearances)</p>
<p>Michael Brantley continued to torment Justin Verlander in their first meeting this season, driving in a pair of runs with an RBI single. Brantley homered later in the game off <span>Ian Krol</span> as well, proving that his dominance of the Tigers extends throughout the pitching staff. <span>David Murphy</span> and <span>Michael Bourn</span> have also hit well against Verlander, though neither has homered. The only Indians to homer off Verlander are <span>Nick Swisher</span> and <span>Carlos Santana</span>, who have three apiece... but are hitting a combined .178 against him.</p>
<h5>Outlook</h5>
<p>Despite a frustrating loss last night, the Tigers are still sitting with a 6-1 record on one of their longest road trips of the year with their two best pitchers set to go on consecutive days. Verlander has struggled at times at Progressive Field, but he will be counted on to shoulder the load thanks to a pair of short outings from <span>Anibal Sanchez</span> and <span>Drew Smyly</span> on consecutive days. The Tigers are already undermanned thanks to Justin Miller's recent demotion, and have pitched 10 2/3 innings. It's not out of the question -- Verlander has a pair of complete games under his belt at Progressive -- but another inefficient outing could lead to a seriously gassed 'pen with no off days coming up on the horizon.</p>
<h5>Prediction</h5>
<p>The Tigers experience no travel delays en route to the ballpark tonight.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/20/5728930/2014-game-41-preview-detroit-tigers-at-cleveland-indiansRob Rogacki