Bless You Boys - Game 48: Tigers 6, Athletics 5A detailed list of nope about the Detroit Tigershttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47585/default.png2014-05-28T02:23:41-04:00http://www.blessyouboys.com/rss/stream/55210992014-05-28T02:23:41-04:002014-05-28T02:23:41-04:00Tigers 6, A's 5: Rajai Davis manufactures a win
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dGEZ8O_4uXLG1WkmiQDoGW0lvIw=/0x420:2667x2198/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/33586707/20140527_ajl_ib2_382.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Tigers snapped a three game losing streak with a come-from-behind win over the A's. Torii Hunter tied the game in the seventh with a solo homer. Rajai Davis manufacturing the game-winner in the eighth. The bullpen retired the last nine A's in order to lock down the win.</p> <p>Looking to snap out of a losing skid of three games and having lost 7-of-8, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Detroit Tigers</a> were in need of a win. They got that victory in come-from-behind fashion with single runs in the seventh and eighth innings, topping the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/">Oakland Athletics</a> 6-5. The slumping A's have now lost 5-of-6.</p>
<p>Neither starting pitcher was around to get a decision.<span> Max Scherzer's</span> outing was a near carbon copy of his last appearance. He battled with his command, had a couple of very rough innings (which included the balking in of a run) yet managed to pitch six innings. Scherzer allowed five runs on eight hits, walking two and striking out four.</p>
<p>The Tigers tagged A's starter <span>Sonny Gray</span> with his worst start of the season (though it's still better than what the Tigers' rotation has over eight of the last nine games). The young right-hander allowed four runs and eight hits, striking out five and walking one in six innings of work.</p>
<p>The Tigers' overworked bullpen came through with three scoreless innings. <span>Al Alburquerque</span> (W, 2-1) retired the side in the seventh after taking over for <span>Ian Krol</span>, giving him the victory. <span>Joba Chamberlain</span> and <span>Joe Nathan</span> set down the final six A's batters in order, Nathan earning his 12th save.</p>
<p><span>Fernando Abad</span> (L, 0-2), the third of four A's pitchers, didn't allow a hit. But he walked a pair and was the pitcher of record when <span>Rajai Davis</span> scored the Tigers' winning run, taking the loss.</p>
<p>The Tigers' offense took an early lead, watched Scherzer cough it up, but came back late to win the game. Miguel Cabrera had two hits, a home run and two RBIs for Detroit. Torii Hunter had a double and the game-tying home run in the seventh. J.D. Martinez added two hits and an RBI.</p>
<p>Special notice goes to Rajai Davis for his pinch-running appearance. The AL leader in stolen bases manufactured the game-winning run by taking second on a wild pitch, stealing third and scoring on <span>Austin Jackson's</span> RBI ground ball.</p>
<p>The A's were led offensively by <span>John Jaso</span>, who reached base three time and hit a two run home run. Jed Lowrie and <span>Alberto Callaspo</span> both had RBI doubles for the A's.</p>
<p>With the win, the Tigers are back to ten games over .500 at 29-19. Their lead in the AL Central remains at five games over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">White Sox</a>. Their winning percentage now .604, Detroit is the only team in the AL playing over .600 ball on the season.</p>
<p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3706323/bloglinks-compact-only.css">
</p>
<p> </p>
<p>One out into the game, the Tigers had themselves something rare as of late - a LEAD.</p>
<p>Facing Sonny Gray, <span>Torii Hunter's</span> liner cleared a leaping <span>Josh Donaldson</span> at third and into the left field corner for a double. Hunter scored on <span>Miguel Cabrera's</span> single to center, RBI number 43 on the season (<a target="_blank" href="http://t.co/1I7cOE7LvG">MLB.com video</a>).</p>
<p>After Victor Martinez took a four pitch walk, <span>J.D. Martinez's</span> line drive found the right center field gap, good for two bases and an RBI. <span>Coco Crisp</span> was able to cut the ball off and save one run, but Cabrera scored while Martinez the Younger and Elder stood on second and third.</p>
<p>That's where the rally stagnated. The slumping <span>Don Kelly</span> (.216/.326/.243 in May) and Austin Jackson (.216/.260/.318 in May) both bounced out, ending the inning.</p>
<p>The Tigers were 0-for-2 with MISP (Martinez's in scoring position), but had gotten off to fast start with an early 2-0 lead.</p>
<p>Crisp led of the bottom of the first by doubling off Max Scherzer, then proceeded to do the Tigers a massive favor. He immediately tried to steal third, only to be thrown out by <span>Alex Avila</span>. Despite replay being inconclusive at best and the runner out at worst, A's manager Bob Melvin doubled down on Crisp's mistake by challenging the call.</p>
<p>As it should have, the call stood. The A's lost both a runner in scoring position and had burned their challenge for the remainder of the game.</p>
<p>Scherzer walked John Jaso, but retired the next two A's to pitch out of further trouble. But Scherzer couldn't pitch out of trouble in the second.</p>
<p><span>Yoenis Cespedes</span> led off the inning with a lead off single. He would score when Jackson somehow managed to play <span>Jed Lowrie's</span> line dirve into an RBI double. Lowrie drove a liner to center, Jackson taking an awful angle on the ball. He was unable to cut it off, allowing the liner to roll to the wall. If Jackson makes the play, Cespedes is held at third. He didn't, Cespedes was able to circle the bases and for some reason, Lowrie stopped at second when he should have been on third.</p>
<p>Lowrie not making it to third became moot when Scherzer served up his third double in eight batters to Alberto Callaspo, who slashed an outside breaking ball into the left field corner. Lowrie scored, knotting the game at 2-all.</p>
<p>So much for that fast start.</p>
<p>Cabrera looked awful against Gray in falling behind in the count 1-2. He swung through a 95 MPH fastball for the first strike, and the swing on the second strike had the look of a batter completely and utterly confused. But Cabrera took a normal Cabrera swing on the next pitch in the strike zone, launching a 91 MPH fastball over the wall in left.</p>
<p>Cabrera's eighth home run of the season and 43rd RBI allowed Detroit to retake the lead at 3-2 (<a target="_blank" href="http://t.co/8hPWLkccXK">MLB com video</a>).</p>
<p>Bottom of three, Scherzer was waging war with his command and losing, his pitch count paying the price. He drilled lead off man Jaso in the left forearm, leaving it the size of Popeye's misshapen appendage. Scherzer went to a full count on Josh Donaldson before walking him.</p>
<p>Thankfully, the good Scherzer returned, and just in time. He struck out Brendan Moss and Cespedes, then ended the inning on Lowrie's slow roller to third. The only damage done was to Scherzer's pitch count, which now stood at 66.</p>
<p>Top of four, the Tigers extended their lead. Jackson singled with one out, then scored on Avila's double off the top of the wall at the 388 foot mark in left center. The unlucky Avila missed a home run by mere inches. The Tigers left Avila on second, Gray retiring <span>Andrew Romine</span> and <span>Ian Kinsler</span> to end the inning.</p>
<p>As for Scherzer, he was allowing base runners by the basketful and getting more and more flustered. For the fourth straight inning the lead off man reached, Josh Reddick singling. He advanced to third on Callaspo's single.</p>
<p>Scherzer gave the the A's a run when he was called for a balk when throwing to third in hope of keeping Reddick close. As to why it was a balk, no one seemed to realize why, save for home plate umpire Angel Campos. Just as the Supreme Court characterized pornography as "I know it when I see it," Campos detects balks in the same way. But in this case, the pitcher is not allowed to throw a pick off attempt to a fielder who is not at the bag. In this case, Kelly was stationed several feet away from third.</p>
<p>Scherzer proceeded to give away the lead, as he could not retire Jaso with two out. The A's catcher yanked a line drive around the right field foul. pole, a visibly upset Scherzer could only watch. Jaso's fifth home run of the season gave the A's back the lead at 5-4.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>To add insult to injury, this game is on pace to finish around 2 am</p>
— Bless You Boys (@blessyouboys) <a href="https://twitter.com/blessyouboys/statuses/471500095771656192">May 28, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p>To add more insult, Martinez the Elder reached base with a two out single in the fifth, then go himself thrown out trying to advance on a ball in the dirt. Jaso continued to kill the Tigers, corralling the loose ball (which bounced right back to him), then nailing Martinez in a bang-bang play.</p>
<p>And the fan base decided it would be a good time to melt down.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p>So far I’ve seen the following blamed for this poor stretch: zubaz, Jim Leyland, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Brewers</a>, Bobby Higginson, Ausmus, me, and <span>Jose Valverde</span></p>
— Bless You Boys (@blessyouboys) <a href="https://twitter.com/blessyouboys/statuses/471501429744889856">May 28, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Apparently we’re blaming the plane too.</p>
— Bless You Boys (@blessyouboys) <a href="https://twitter.com/blessyouboys/statuses/471501722469564416">May 28, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p>In a stunning development, Scherzer retired the side in order in the fifth. It was the first half inning without a base runner.</p>
<p>At that point, the game picked up from what had been a snail's pace, Gray and Scherzer avoiding trouble in the sixth.</p>
<p>Gray was pulled after six innings, replaced by Dan Otero. Two down, Hunter drilled a monster shot to dead center field, clearing the wall at the 400 foot mark as Crisp crashed into fence in a futile attempt at a catch. Hunter's seventh home run of the season re-tied a back-and-forth game at 5-all (<a target="_blank" href="http://t.co/0MZlpu5T1l">MLB.com video</a>).</p>
<p>On a night where the Tigers really needed Scherzer to deep into the game, he was pulled after six innings and 107 pitches. Ian Krol entered, threw four balls to walk pinch-hitter <span>Derek Norris</span> and was summarily pulled.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>It took until May 27th, but Ian Krol now has more walks than home runs allowed.</p>
— Bless You Boys (@blessyouboys) <a href="https://twitter.com/blessyouboys/statuses/471510709105598464">May 28, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p>Al Alburquerque took over for Krol, retired the next three A's to send the game into the eighth tied at 5-all.</p>
<p>One down, Fernando Abad on the mound, Martinez the Younger drew a walk. Rajai Davis entered the game as a pinch-runner. But he didn't have to steal second, Abad advancing him on a wild pitch.</p>
<p>Amazingly, Davis then caught the A's napping. Pinch-hitting <span>Nick Castellanos</span> at the plate having taken strike two, Norris casually tossed the ball to Abad. Davis took off, and was sliding into third by the time Abad knew what had happened.</p>
<p>Castellanos worked a full count walk, which ended Abad's night. <span>Luke Gregerson</span> took over to face Jackson.</p>
<p>Gregerson induced sent a ground ball into the hole at short. The only chance the A's had to keep the run from scoring was to try and turn two, but Jackson beat the relay. Davis crossed the plate on Jackson's RBI ground ball to give the Tigers back the lead at 6-5.</p>
<p>Given a one run lead in the bottom of the eighth, the game was now in the hands of the back end of the Tigers' bullpen. Joba Chamberlain took over in the eighth, tossing a 1-2-3 inning.</p>
<p>Gregerson did the same for the A's in the ninth, retiring the Tigers in order.</p>
<p>It was down to the bottom of the ninth, three outs and Joe Nathan on the mound for Detroit.</p>
<p>Kinsler had an off night at the plate, but made a marvelous defensive play for the first out. He raced into short center, making a back hand, over-the-shoulder grab to take a hit away from <span>Eric Sogard</span>.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Kinsler! Ian now eligible for the save after an over-the-shoulder catch.</p>
— Bless You Boys (@blessyouboys) <a href="https://twitter.com/blessyouboys/statuses/471522216665182211">May 28, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p>Cabrera flashed more Detroit leather, making a diving stop of Crisp's ground ball, then flipping to Nathan for the second out.</p>
<p>Nathan went to a full count on Norris to ratchet up the fan base nerves. But he would go down swinging to end a 1-2-3 inning, the game and a losing streak.</p>
<p>GAME OVER.</p>
<p>Your final score is Tigers 6, A's 5.</p>
<p>Do you smell something familiar?</p>
<p><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/xdzoIHJBGt0" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>The Tigers fanbase hasn’t been this happy about a win since October 14th, 2006. Or so.</p>
— Bless You Boys (@blessyouboys) <a href="https://twitter.com/blessyouboys/statuses/471523583731433472">May 28, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p>Game three's pitching matchup has the Tigers' <span>Anibal Sanchez</span> (2-2, 2.83 ERA) taking on A's left-hander Scott Kazmir (5-2, 2.56 ERA).</p>
<p>Injuries and ineffectiveness had Kazmir on his way to baseball's "what might have been" scrap heap, before resurrecting his career with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Indians</a> last season. He started this season on fire, finishing April at 4-0, 2.11 ERA. He's regressed to the mean somewhat this month, but has still been effective with a 3.38 ERA in four May starts.</p>
<p>Going into tonight's action, Sanchez is the only Tigers starter to have recorded a victory since May 18. On May 23, Sanchez pitched a full seven innings for the first time this season, holding the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Rangers</a> to two runs on five hits.</p>
<p>First pitch at The O.co is scheduled for 10:05 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=2014-05-27&team=Athletics&dh=0" scrolling="no" style="border:1px solid black;" frameborder="0" height="450" width="450"></iframe><br><span>Source: <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/livewins.aspx?date=2014-05-27&team=Athletics&dh=0&season=2014">FanGraphs</a></span></p>
<p><b>BULLETS:</b></p>
<p>A's fans are in desperate need of a better fitting wardrobe. That cannot be unseen!</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4518177/butt.jpeg" target="_blank"><img alt="Butt_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4518177/butt_medium.jpeg"></a> <br id="1401246393002"></p>
<p>John Jaso deserves hazard pay after being drilled by a Max Scherzer fastball.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>John Jaso’s arm is swelling faster than <span>Phil Coke</span>’s ERA.</p>
— Bless You Boys (@blessyouboys) <a href="https://twitter.com/blessyouboys/statuses/471488515084386304">May 28, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4518225/jaso2.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Jaso2_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4518225/jaso2_medium.png"></a> <br id="1401247198560"></p>
<p><span>Josh Reddick's</span> walk up music is "Careless Whisper" by Wham! Seems A's fans get a little too much into 80's ballads and sax solos.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/4518467/wham.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Wham_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4518467/wham_medium.png"></a> <br id="1401254078597"></p>
<p><b>STREAKS AND STATS:</b></p>
<p>By throwing out Coco Crisp in the first inning, Alex Avila now leads the AL with 19 runners caught stealing.</p>
<p>Miguel Cabrera hit his 373rd career home run in the third. He's one behind former Tiger Rocky Colavito for 72nd in MLB history.</p>
<p>Tigers starting pitchers have recorded one quality start in their last nine games. That was by tomorrow night's starter, Anibal Sanchez, last Friday.</p>
<p>With his home run in the sixth, Torii Hunter now has 23 career tying or go-ahead homers in the seventh inning or later. His last was August 29, 2013, walking off against the A's.</p>
<p>Over his past four games, Nick Castellanos has walked five times. He had just four in his first 38 games.</p>
<p>Rajai Davis stole his AL leading 16th base of the season in the eighth.</p>
<p>Joba Chamberlain pitched a scoreless eighth inning, and has not allowed a run in 13 of his last 14 outings. During that stretch, he has a 1.32 ERA.</p>
<p><b></b></p>
<p><b>THREE ROARS:</b></p>
<p><b>Miguel Cabrera: </b>Just another game - two hits, one a home run, and two RBIs. Cabrera is second in the AL with 44 RBIs.</p>
<p><b>Torii Hunter: </b>Two hits, both for extra bases and an RBI. His seventh inning home run was a huge momentum changer, tying the game at a point when it felt as if the Tigers were doomed to extend their losing streak.</p>
<p><b>Rajai Davis:</b> Manufactured the lead run in the eighth with speed. Entering the game as a pinch-runner, Davis advanced to second on a wild pitch, took third on a delayed steal and scored on a ground ball.</p>
<p><b>BONUS ROARS:</b></p>
<p><b> Al Alburquerque, Joba Chamberlain and Joe Nathan:</b> A lights out night for back end of the bullpen. After Ian Krol walked the one batter he faced, it was nine up, nine down, game over.</p>
<p><b></b></p>
<p><b>THREE HISSES:</b></p>
<p><b>Max Scherzer:</b> Everyone expected Scherzer to improve over his last outing of allowing seven runs in seven innings. He did, but barely. Five runs in six innings is still an uncharacteristic start, and forced an overworked bullpen to pitch the final three innings.</p>
<p><b>Andrew Romine:</b> Four game hitting streak ended in ignominious fashion, 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.</p>
<p><b>Chicken Littles: </b>Come on, folks. This Tigers team is too talented to remain in a funk forever. The starting rotation is in a slump, but they won't pitch batting practice for the rest of the season. Going by the reaction midway through tonight's game, you would have thought the Tigers were on the verge of their season was already over...IN MAY. One week of bad baseball does not end a season. Get a God damn grip, people! It's exhausting to live in constant fear of a collapse from game-to-game-to-game.</p>
<p><b></b></p>
<p><b>ROLL CALL:</b></p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="150">Total comments</td>
<td>828</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Total commenters</td>
<td>39</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Commenter list</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/AriTwice">AriTwice</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Arvay7">Arvay7</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Bent82">Bent82</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Designated%20for%20Assignment">Designated for Assignment</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Emil%20Sitka">Emil Sitka</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ExTeeBallPitcher">ExTeeBallPitcher</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Flying%20J">Flying J</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/GhostOfBigRed">GhostOfBigRed</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/JWurm">JWurm</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Jacob30">Jacob30</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Kazoonole">Kazoonole</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/LoganB">LoganB</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/MSUDersh">MSUDersh</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/MotorCityCat">MotorCityCat</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Naysayer%20N%20San%20Diego">Naysayer N San Diego</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/PiChick">PiChick</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/Singledigit">Singledigit</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SpartanHT">SpartanHT</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/TheLegacyofJordanTata">TheLegacyofJordanTata</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Thorpac">Thorpac</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/TomduhB">TomduhB</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Verlanderful">Verlanderful</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/aelix">aelix</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ahtrap">ahtrap</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/bobrob2004">bobrob2004</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/dimes5">dimes5</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/dishnet34">dishnet34</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/dominator039">dominator039</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/jgrubbs">jgrubbs</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/kland83">kland83</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/knucklescarbone">knucklescarbone</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/lithium">lithium</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/lowandoutside">lowandoutside</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/stevenyc">stevenyc</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/texastigerfan">texastigerfan</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/welcome%20to%20good%20burger">welcome to good burger</a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Story URLs</td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/27/5755286/game-48-tigers-at-as-10-05-p-m">http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/27/5755286/game-48-tigers-at-as-10-05-p-m</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><b></b></p>
<p><b>TOP TEN COMMENTERS:</b></p>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>#</th> <th>Commenter</th> <th># Comments </th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Singledigit">Singledigit</a></td>
<td>154</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SanDiegoMick">SanDiegoMick</a></td>
<td>116</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/knucklescarbone">knucklescarbone</a></td>
<td>63</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SpartanHT">SpartanHT</a></td>
<td>52</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/GhostOfBigRed">GhostOfBigRed</a></td>
<td>50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/jgrubbs">jgrubbs</a></td>
<td>38</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/dominator039">dominator039</a></td>
<td>35</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Naysayer%20N%20San%20Diego">Naysayer N San Diego</a></td>
<td>31</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Arvay7">Arvay7</a></td>
<td>26</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Designated%20for%20Assignment">Designated for Assignment</a></td>
<td>24</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><b></b></p>
<p><b>TOP RECS:</b></p>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th># Recs</th> <th>Commenter</th> <th>Comment Link </th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/GhostOfBigRed">GhostOfBigRed</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/27/5755286/game-48-tigers-at-as-10-05-p-m#236546287">Dingers?</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SpartanHT">SpartanHT</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/27/5755286/game-48-tigers-at-as-10-05-p-m#236572745">GET THE FUNK OUTTA HERE</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/GhostOfBigRed">GhostOfBigRed</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/27/5755286/game-48-tigers-at-as-10-05-p-m#236559489">At this point we need our best pitcher out there</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><b></b></p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/26/5752530/as-10-tigers-0-smyly-serves-up-four-home-runs-as-tigers-get-shut-out" target="new">GAME 47</a> PLAYER OF THE GAME:</b></p>
<p>Rookie reliever Corey Knebel's second big league appearance went far better than his first, the only Detroit pitcher to not allow a run in a 10-0 loss. Knebel tossed a pair of scoreless innings to easily secure his first career BYB PotG.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/28/5756374/tigers-6-as-5-rajai-davis-manufactures-game-winning-run-max-scherzer-bullpenAl Beaton2014-05-27T09:00:25-04:002014-05-27T09:00:25-04:00Game 48 Preview: Tigers at Athletics
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ugJRgY5HsoPHuO5boVtyXqA-Jfo=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/33460407/20140504_mta_sj3_009.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Aces clash tonight as Max Scherzer and Sonny Gray take the mound in a late night showdown between the Tigers and A's.</p> <h4>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Detroit Tigers</a> (28-19) at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/">Oakland Athletics</a> (31-20)</h4>
<p><b>Time/Place:</b> 10:05 p.m., O.Co Coliseum</p>
<p><b>SB Nation blog:</b> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.athleticsnation.com">Athletics Nation</a></p>
<p><b>Media:</b> Fox Sports Detroit, <a target="_blank" href="http://mlb.mlb.com/mediacenter/index.jsp?c_id=mlb&affiliateId=mlbMENU#date=5/27/2014">MLB.TV</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/det/schedule/radioaffiliates.jsp">Tigers Radio Network</a></p>
<p><b>Pitching Matchup:</b> RHP <span>Max Scherzer</span> (6-1, 2.59 ERA) vs. RHP <span>Sonny Gray</span> (5-1, 1.99 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>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Scherzer</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>66.0</td>
<td>10.64</td>
<td>3.00</td>
<td>0.82</td>
<td>1.14</td>
<td>2.91</td>
<td>2.93</td>
<td>1.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gray</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>68.0</td>
<td>7.28</td>
<td>3.04</td>
<td>0.53</td>
<td>1.09</td>
<td>3.30</td>
<td>3.52</td>
<td>1.2</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Tigers fans got a first-hand look at A's top prospect Sonny Gray last October, when he out-dueled <span>Justin Verlander</span> in Game 2 of the ALDS. Gray tossed eight shutout innings, striking out nine with just two walks. He was far less effective five days later, allowing three runs on six hits in five innings in the Tigers' Game 5 victory. Baseball fans that did not get a chance to see Gray perform in prime time last year have gotten a longer look at more of the same in 2014. He leads the American League with a 1.99 ERA and is averaging nearly seven innings per start. His strikeout rate has dipped from the batter-per-inning clip he had in 64 innings last season, but a 57.3% ground ball rate and minuscule home run rate have helped keep opponents off the scoreboard.</p>
<p>Gray primarily utilizes a power fastball-curveball combination, but has started to mix in his changeup more often in 2014. He uses the changeup more often against left-handed hitters, but it is still a work in progress. Lefties are hitting .308 off that pitch, but an unsustainable 85% ground ball rate on changeups has led to them slugging just .385. His curveball is his swing-and-miss pitch, though teams are not whiffing as often this season. His fastball rests in the mid 90s and induces a ton of weak contact, a big reason why Gray's BABIP is a scant .246 so far this year.</p>
<p>Not even the reigning Cy Young winner was immune from the rotation's woes last week. Max Scherzer gave up seven runs on 12 hits against the <a href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Indians</a>, but was somehow able to last seven innings in a wild 11-10 loss. While the Indians were unable to drive up his pitch count, they only struck out five times against Scherzer, a season low. Despite the runs allowed, Scherzer seemed to get back on track after a pair of four-walk outings. He threw 21 of 34 first-pitch strikes and 77 strikes in 113 pitches overall. He left a few too many pitches out over the plate early on, but only allowed four hits in his final five innings of work.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/imported_assets/2214369/location_php.png"><img alt="Location_php_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/imported_assets/2214369/location_php.png"></a><br><i> via <a href="http://www.brooksbaseball.net/pfxVB/location.php?pitchSel=453286&game=gid_2014_05_21_detmlb_clemlb_1/&batterX=0&innings=yyyyyyyyy&sp_type=1&s_type=3&league=mlb">www.brooksbaseball.net</a></i></p>
<p><b>Hitter to fear:</b> <span>Yoenis Cespedes</span> (.500/.600/1.250 in 10 plate appearances)<br><b>Hitter to fail:</b> <span>Josh Donaldson</span> (.083/.083/.250 in 12 plate appearances)</p>
<p>Yoenis Cespedes has owned Scherzer in the postseason, combining for four hits -- a single, double, triple, and that "don't throw him a fastball" home run -- in six at-bats. The regular season has been a different story, if only because of a lack of opportunity. He is 0-for-2 with two walks and a strikeout in a pair of mid-season matchups. <span>Brandon Moss</span> has also hit well against Scherzer, socking a home run and drawing three walks in 19 plate appearances. He has struck out seven times, however. Only Josh Reddick -- who has fanned eight times in 14 plate appearances -- has been set down swinging more often. Josh Donaldson's lone hit in 12 plate appearances was a triple.</p>
<h5>Outlook</h5>
<p>If there is a matchup to get the starting rotation back on track, it is Scherzer against the A's. He owns a career 4.20 ERA against the two-time AL West champs, but has struck out 72 batters in just 44 1/3 career innings, including the playoffs. The Tigers need him to be at his best with Gray on the mound, though the young star hasn't been quite as sharp at home this season. Whether or not the offense gets off the ground, a solid starting performance from Scherzer would go a long way to ease any concerns that have arisen about this team over the past week. Of course, a win would be nice too.</p>
<h5>Prediction</h5>
<p>Scherzer and the Tigers right the ship with a hard-fought win.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/27/5747830/2014-game-48-preview-detroit-tigers-at-oakland-athleticsRob Rogacki