Bless You Boys - Game 54: Blue Jays 5, Tigers 3A detailed list of nope about the Detroit Tigershttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47585/default.png2014-06-03T23:12:45-04:00http://www.blessyouboys.com/rss/stream/55388032014-06-03T23:12:45-04:002014-06-03T23:12:45-04:00Blue Jays 5, Tigers 3: 9th inning implosion
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<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>A scoreless pitchers' duel turned into a ninth-inning slugfest, the Blue Jays holding on to win 5-3. The Tigers' bullpen, led by another bad outing from Joe Nathan, spoiled a marvelous performance by Anibal Sanchez by allowing five runs.</p> <p>A scoreless pitchers' duel for eight innings ended with a flurry of ninth-inning runs. After both starters had exited the game, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bluebirdbanter.com/">Toronto Blue Jays</a> broke a 0-0 game wide open by scoring five, holding on to beat the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Detroit Tigers</a> 5-3. The Tigers plated three runs in the bottom of the ninth after falling behind 5-0, but it just wasn't enough.</p>
<p>The Tigers had snapped out of a losing streak by winning 3-of-4. Since their last victory in Seattle, Detroit has now lost three straight.</p>
<div class="pullquote">"If he's (Nathan) struggling mentally, there's got be something we can do." <span>-<span>Brad Ausmus</span></span>
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<p>For a second straight game, <span>Anibal Sanchez</span> was brilliant. For a second straight game, a lack of run support led to a no-decision. Sanchez was pulled after seven innings having not allowed a run, holding the Blue Jays to two hits, striking out five and not walking a soul.</p>
<p>Brad Ausmus put the game in the hands of his bullpen, who proceeded to drop the ball. <span>Joba Chamberlain</span> pitched a scoreless eighth, but the wheels fell off in spectacular fashion in the ninth. <span>Joe Nathan</span> (L, 2-2) continued to cost the Tigers games, charged with four runs in just 1/3 inning of work, leaving the bases loaded when he was yanked. <span>Ian Krol</span> served up a sacrifice fly, and <span>Al Alburquerque</span> finished off the damage when his dished up a three-run home run, though two of those runs were hung on Nathan.</p>
<p>Blue Jays starter <span>Drew Hutchison</span> was just as good as his counterpart and also suffered the same no-decision fate. He went seven full innings, shutting out the Tigers on three hits, striking out seven and not issuing a walk. <span>Dustin McGowan</span> (W, 3-2), the second of four Blue Jays pitchers, would earn the win by pitching a scoreless eighth. Closer <span>Casey Janssen</span> pitched to one batter, earning his ninth save.</p>
<div class="pullquote">"Sometimes, that’s all you can do, is laugh. This game is...it’s an S.O.B. sometimes. It’s tough." <span>-Joe Nathan</span>
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<p>The first eight innings were scoreless, all eight runs coming in the ninth inning. On the night, the Blue Jays had five hits to the Tigers four.</p>
<p>In the ninth, <span>Jose Bautista</span> had a RBI single and Kevin Pillar drove in a run with a sacrifice fly. But it would be <span>Brett Lawrie</span> who came through with the big hit of the ninth, a three-run homer which gave the Blue Jays insurance runs they would ultimately need.</p>
<p><span>J.D. Martinez's</span> three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth was all the offense the Tigers could muster.</p>
<p>After the game, no one was thrown under the bus. Nathan took all questions, saying he feels great and is throwing too well to believe his struggles will continue..</p>
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<p>"Fortunately I don't give a [blank]. They can boo me all they want. I am my own toughest critic."</p>
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<p>This time around Nathan didn't assign blame. But the Blue Jays were more than happy to point out <span>Andrew Romine's</span> defensive lapse in the ninth played a huge part in their win.</p>
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<p>"I don't know what happened on my ground ball. That was definitely reachable. (Nathan) had some bad luck." -Bautista on single past Romine</p>
— Denny Kapp (@DennyKapp) <a href="https://twitter.com/DennyKapp/statuses/474019676180062211">June 4, 2014</a>
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<p>"That was first ground ball I've hit so weakly that manages to get through but I got a hit and RBI out of it so not complaining" -Bautista</p>
— Denny Kapp (@DennyKapp) <a href="https://twitter.com/DennyKapp/statuses/474019947522174976">June 4, 2014</a>
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Seems there's more than enough blame to go around. Might as well add the Tigers' flaccid offense to the list, too. Brad Ausmus was at a loss to explain it.</p>
<blockquote>"The energy was there, we just didn't score."</blockquote>
<p>Until the Tigers start hitting, it won't matter if Nathan gets his issues sorted out. all the Tigers' flaws have come to a head over the past three weeks. Ausmus and (especially) Dave Dombrowski know they have work to do so the Tigers get back on the World Series path.</p>
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<p>The first 1 1/2 innings were completely uneventful, Anibal Sanchez not allowing a hit. The Tigers would threaten for the one of the few times against Blue Jays starter Drew Hutchison in the bottom of the second.</p>
<p><span>Victor Martinez</span> led off by singling off the right field wall, taking second on Don Kelly's one-out single. That's as far as the rally would go, <span>Austin Jackson</span> and <span>Alex Avila</span> unable to drive in the run from second.</p>
<p>Sanchez found his first bit of trouble in the top of the third, only to be helped out considerably be Miguel Cabrera's defense. <span>Juan Francisco</span> led off the inning by doubling into the the left center field gap. <span>Dioner Navarro</span> followed with a ground ball to first. Instead of taking the easy out at the first base bag, Cabrera fired across the diamond, nailing Francisco trying to advance to third.</p>
<p>Sanchez proceeded to strike out the next two Blue Jays, ending what had been a promising inning for Toronto. The game was showing all the signs of being tense, low scoring and very quick. Two dominant pitchers were making for a game with a complete lack of offense.</p>
<p><span>Edwin Encarnacion</span> doubled off Sanchez after two were down in the top of the fourth, only to be stranded on Adam Lind's liner to right.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, the Tigers were having the same issues with their bats, unable to string any sort of rally together against Hutchison. He had retired six in a row until Martinez snuck a single through the shift with one out in the bottom half of the fourth. So Hutchison just went and started another out streak, retiring J.D. Martinez and Kelly to end the inning.</p>
<p>Through four innings, the pitchers' duel was well underway.</p>
<p>The fifth was no different. Both the Blue Jays and Tigers would go down in order, 1-2-3. The game was speedily heading into the sixth, still a scoreless tie.</p>
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<p>By tossing a 1-2-3 sixth, Sanchez had retired seven in a row and 12-of-13. But his pitch count of 92 bore close watch. The most Sanchez had thrown in a game this season was in his last start, 111 pitches in 8 1/3 innings against the A's.</p>
<p>The Tigers entered the bottom of the sixth not having scored in their previous 16 innings. Make it 17 innings without a score and eight straight retired by Hutchison when set the side down in order.</p>
<p>Sanchez needed 15 pitches to end the seventh, the Blue Jays going down in order for a third consecutive inning. Spending the game in beast mode, a pitch count of 107, showing no signs of being tired and at first blush having at least one more inning in him, Sanchez was the recipient of Brad Ausmus' Handshake of Doom.</p>
<p>Speaking of doom, it was quite likely Sanchez would be doomed to a second straight no-decision.</p>
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<p>So help me, if the Tigers waste another brilliant Anibal start.</p>
— Bless You Boys (@blessyouboys) <a href="https://twitter.com/blessyouboys/statuses/473991625056595968">June 4, 2014</a>
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<p>A Sanchez no-decision it would be. Hutchison set the Tigers down in order, his consecutive out streak reaching 11.</p>
<p>Joba Chamberlain took over from Sanchez The Tigers' setup man picked up where Sanchez left off, retiring the side on nine pitches.</p>
<p>John Gibbons made the same move as Ausmus, removing his lights-out starter after seven innings and 105 pitches. Dustin McGowan took over, and retired the Tigers ion order.</p>
<p>Heading into the ninth, 13 Blue Jays and 14 Tigers had gone down in order. That would soon change.</p>
<p>Top of nine, it would be up to Joe Nathan to keep the out streak alive. Of course, the first thing Nathan would do is walk the lead-off man, speedy Anthony Gose. It was the first walk issued by either team.</p>
<div class="pullquote">"Even the best have rough times." <span>-Ausmus on Nathan's struggles</span>
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<p>The inning and game then immediately entered a Nathan-led death spiral for the Tigers.</p>
<p>Gose got a huge jump off Nathan, stealing second as the pitch bounced into the dirt and past Avila. Jose Reyes advanced Gose to third by slapping a single to left.</p>
<p>Runners on the corners and still no one out, Nathan induced a pop up off the bat of Melky Cabrera. But the Blue Jays had their two big boppers due up in Jose Bautista and Encarnacion.</p>
<p>Bautista didn't hit the ball hard, but Romine went after it as if it were a ticking time bomb inside a flaming bag of crap. The ground ball rolled under his glove and into center for an RBI single and a 1-0 lead.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>I've run out of expletives.</p>
— Bless You Boys (@blessyouboys) <a href="https://twitter.com/blessyouboys/statuses/474001203320205312">June 4, 2014</a>
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<p>Runners on the corners and still no one out. Nathan appeared to have picked off Reyes, but the call went the other way. Ausmus challenged the out call, but it was upheld.</p>
<p>Nathan finished his implosion by walking Encarnacion, loading the bases. Ausmus had no choice but to pull the Tigers' prized free-agent pick up, replacing Nathan with Ian Krol as an upset crowd let their displeasure be known.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" lang="en">
<p>RT <a href="https://twitter.com/BigAlBYB">@BigAlBYB</a>: Can Joe Nathan throw himself under the bus? Asking for a 3rd baseman.</p>
— Bless You Boys (@blessyouboys) <a href="https://twitter.com/blessyouboys/statuses/474001605457477633">June 4, 2014</a>
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<p>Krol faced one batter, allowing the second run to score on pinch-hitter <span>Kevin Pillar's</span> sacrifice fly to center.</p>
<p>Down 2-0, Ausmus went to Al Alburquerque. In response, Brett Lawrie went deep. He smashed an Alburquerque slider over the scoreboard in right center, <span>Torii Hunter</span> doing his ridiculous deke as the ball carried into the first row.</p>
<p>Lawrie's three-run bomb all but put the game out of reach, the Blue Jays scoring five runs against three Tigers relievers.</p>
<div class="pullquote">"It's tough to win games when you don't score runs through eight." <span>-Ausmus speaking about the lack of offense</span>
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<p>Up 5-0, Gibbons went to <span>Steve Delabar</span> out of the bullpen. He sandwiched walks to <span>Ian Kinsler</span> and Cabrera around a Hunter line out.</p>
<p>The Alburquerque home run really came into play when J.D. Martinez's two-out liner cleared the left field wall just inside the foul pole. The three run homer made it a 5-3 game. But it was little more than a last gasp before dying.</p>
<p>Gibbons brought closer Casey Janssen into the game to nail down the final out. Ausmus countered with, well, no one. With the younger Martinez in the starting lineup, the Tigers have absolutely no bench power. So Ausmus allowed Kelly to bat. I didn't say "allowed Kelly to hit" being he struck out on three pitches.</p>
<p>Game over.</p>
<p>Your final score is Blue Jays 5, Tigers 3.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Somehow, a 5-3 loss feels so much worse than a 5-0 loss. Sigh.</p>
— Bless You Boys (@blessyouboys) <a href="https://twitter.com/blessyouboys/statuses/474007788650119170">June 4, 2014</a>
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<p>Game two's mound matchup has knuckleballer <span>R.A. Dickey</span> (5-4, 4.30 ERA) taking on <span>Rick Porcello</span> (8-2, 3.82 ERA).</p>
<p>Dickey's knuckler is as unpredictable as ever. Coming off a four start stretch with a 3-1 record and 3.00 ERA, Dickey was rocked by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.royalsreview.com/">Royals</a> in his last appearance for five runs and ten hits in just five innings.</p>
<p>Porcello's eight wins has him tied for second in the AL behind the Blue Jays' Mark Buehrle. He bounced back from his worst start of the season (12 H, 7 R versus Texas) to beat the A's in last appearance. Despite a season-high six walks, Porcello earned a W by allowing just two runs and five hits in 5 2/3 innings.</p>
<p>Wednesday night's first pitch at Comerica Park is scheduled for 7:08 PM.</p>
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<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=2014-06-03&team=Tigers&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=2014-06-03&team=Tigers&dh=0&season=2014">FanGraphs</a></span></p>
<p><b>BULLETS:</b></p>
<p>Over his last two games and 15 1/3 innings, Anibal Sanchez has an 0.59 ERA. He's allowed just one run and five hits, striking out 14 while walking one. The result? Two no-decisions.</p>
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<p>Anibal Sanchez has allowed 1 earned run in 15 1/3 IP in his last 2 starts Joe Nathan has allowed 6 earned runs in 1/3 IP in those 2 games</p>
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo/statuses/474016766004170753">June 4, 2014</a>
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<p>In four starts since returning from the DL, Anibal Sanchez has a 2-0 record with a 1.32 ERA and 22 strikeouts.</p>
<p>Including tonight, Joba Chamberlain hasn't allowed a run in his last ten appearances, lowering his ERA to 2.59. He's allowed three runs, two earned, over his last 16 outings.</p>
<p>Detroit's offense went 19 2/3 innings without scoring a run. J.D. Martinez's home run was the first time any Tiger had crossed the plate since Saturday's seventh inning in Seattle. Over their last 27 innings,. the Tigers have scored five runs total.</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>THREE ROARS:</b></p>
<p><b>Anibal Sanchez: </b>Needs to sue the Tigers' offense for a lack of support. He's allowed just one run in his last two outings combined. The Tigers LOST BOTH GAMES.</p>
<p><b>J.D. Martinez: </b>Supplied all the Tigers' offense with one ninth-inning swing.</p>
<p><b>Joba Chamberlain: </b>Another scoreless outing for Chamberlain. Expect the calls wanting "Chamberlain for closer" to get louder by the day.</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>THREE HISSES:</b></p>
<p><b>Joe Nathan: </b>The fan base is ready to run Nathan out of town. In his last three outings, the Tigers were ahead in two and tied in the other. Nathan charged with eight runs in those outings, two of those games turned into Tigers' losses.</p>
<p><b>Andrew Romine: </b>At this point, Romine's glove is not nearly good enough to justify keeping his sorely lacking bat in the lineup. His inability to make a play on Bautista's ninth-inning ground ball drove home just how bad things are at the shortstop position for the Tigers.</p>
<p><b>The Tigers offense:</b> Five runs in three games. When Kinsler, Cabrera and Martinez aren't hitting, no one has been capable to pick up the slack.</p>
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<p><b>ROLL CALL:</b></p>
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<td width="150">Total comments</td>
<td>938</td>
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<td>Total commenters</td>
<td>46</td>
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<td>Commenter list</td>
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<a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/6/3/5775940/game-54-tigers-vs-jays-7-08-p-m">http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/6/3/5775940/game-54-tigers-vs-jays-7-08-p-m</a><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/6/3/5777714/game-54-overflow">http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/6/3/5777714/game-54-overflow</a>
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<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>TOP TEN COMMENTERS:</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/DJ%20Screw">DJ Screw</a></td>
<td>61</td>
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<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/texastigerfan">texastigerfan</a></td>
<td>59</td>
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<td>4</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/JWurm">JWurm</a></td>
<td>59</td>
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<td>5</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/TheLegacyofJordanTata">TheLegacyofJordanTata</a></td>
<td>51</td>
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<td>6</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Alex%20Baker">Alex Baker</a></td>
<td>50</td>
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<td>7</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/frisbeepilot">frisbeepilot</a></td>
<td>42</td>
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<td>8</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/MSUDersh">MSUDersh</a></td>
<td>38</td>
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<td>9</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/J_the_Man">J_the_Man</a></td>
<td>37</td>
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<td>10</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/jgrubbs">jgrubbs</a></td>
<td>37</td>
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<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>TOP RECS:</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
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<th># Recs</th> <th>Commenter</th> <th>Comment Link </th>
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<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Fielder%27sChoice">Fielder'sChoice</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/6/3/5777714/game-54-overflow#237839237">If you can say one thing in Phil Coke's defense</a></td>
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<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/TheLegacyofJordanTata">TheLegacyofJordanTata</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/6/3/5777714/game-54-overflow#237838717">You're taking an already imperfect stat and applying it in an year of defensive shits that</a></td>
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<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Rob%20Rogacki">Rob Rogacki</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/6/3/5777714/game-54-overflow#237822465">#FreeSuarez</a></td>
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<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Fielder%27sChoice">Fielder'sChoice</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/6/3/5777714/game-54-overflow#237830093">Good evening everyone!</a></td>
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<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DJ%20Screw">DJ Screw</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/6/3/5777714/game-54-overflow#237825071">$20 million</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/TheLegacyofJordanTata">TheLegacyofJordanTata</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/6/3/5775940/game-54-tigers-vs-jays-7-08-p-m#237786281">We are looking at 30 college closers and a few coach's sons, in addition of DD's daughter who plays softball in high school.</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Rob%20Rogacki">Rob Rogacki</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/6/3/5777714/game-54-overflow#237842569">Rec'd for defensive shits</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/6/1/5769916/mariners-4-tigers-0-flat-detroit-shutout-by-seattle-rookie-lefty-roenis-elias" target="new">GAME 53</a> PLAYER OF THE GAME:</b></p>
<p>The loss to Seattle was so mailed in, I didn't even bother. It was a team loss in the truest sense.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/6/3/5776876/blue-jays-5-tigers-3-anibal-sanchez-brilliant-joe-nathan-struggles-weak-detroit-offenseAl Beaton2014-06-03T22:04:22-04:002014-06-03T22:04:22-04:00Final: Blue Jays 5, Tigers 3
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Zw4i9rhFlyUQ0w9Vf6PIbufv7sc=/0x50:2667x1828/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/33883243/20140529_kkt_st3_044.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Anibal Sanchez performed beautifully once again, but the instability of Joe Nathan coughed up a messy ninth. Not even a late-inning rally could save the Tigers from a loss.</p> <p dir="ltr">DETROIT--The <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Tigers</a> returned home after a brutal road trip for a six-game homestand to face the <a href="https://www.bluebirdbanter.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Toronto Blue Jays</a>. Both teams entered Tuesday night's game tied with a .586 winning record, one on a hot streak, the other on ice. The result was an all-out pitchers' duel through eight innings.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Anibal Sanchez</span> pitched another gem for the Tigers on Tuesday, going seven innings and striking out five batters. Of the 107 pitches he threw, a double off the bat of <span>Juan Francisco</span> in the third and a double by <span>Edwin Encarnacion</span> in the fourth were the only hits he gave up to the Blue Jays.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Joba Chamberlain</span> came out to pitch the eighth and breezed through, delivering a quick and easy 1-2-3 inning. After blowing two of the last four save situations, <span>Joe Nathan</span> came in to pitch the ninth inning and served it up, leadoff walk style. Following the walk, Nathan handed in two singles, the second of which scored the first run of the evening for either side.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Nathan then walked Encarnacion to load the bases and his night was done, replaced by <span>Ian Krol</span> who gave up a sacrifice fly. <span>Al Alburquerque</span> relieved Krol and served up a three-run homer on a 2-1 slider which ended up in the right field seats.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Nathan only pitched 1/3 of an inning but he gave up two hits and was responsible for four of the five runs allowed in the ninth inning. Of the last six games Joe Nathan has pitched in, one was a no-decision, two resulted in a save and two were blown saves and a loss. Both blown saves also resulted in a loss for the Tigers.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the Tigers' offense was once again missing in action as <span>Miguel Cabrera</span> and <span>J.D. Martinez</span> struck out twice and scattered only three hits across eight innings. <span>Victor Martinez</span> hit a long scorched single to deep right field in the second and had an infield hit in the fourth. <span>Don Kelly</span> singled in the second and hit a line shot to right field but it was caught to end the inning.</p>
<p>But as is the usual, the Tigers would not go down without a fight -- after <span>Steve Delabar</span> walked both <span>Ian Kinsler</span> and Miguel Cabrera, J.D. Martinez delivered a three-run bomb to left field. While Don Kelly struck out swinging to end the game, the final score read 5-3 in favor of the Blue Jays rather than what would have been a shut out.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/6/3/5777606/final-tiges-blue-jaysCatherine Slonksnis2014-06-03T20:55:48-04:002014-06-03T20:55:48-04:00Game 54 Overflow
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/98SbVllr5FyYjBXuKVW_N7gRvMA=/0x130:4000x2797/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/33881345/495465941.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Duane Burleson</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We can slow this game down with a bunch of hits now.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/6/3/5777714/game-54-overflowNCDee2014-06-03T19:50:45-04:002014-06-03T19:50:45-04:00Robocop follows Prime Directives
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/siQuqihU-PXj0pmk8fLKkbJrbUs=/0x20:2667x1798/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/33879879/20140603_sal_aa1_001.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Robocop made the rounds of Detroit, wrapping up his day at Comerica Park for some Blue Jays - Tigers action.</p> <p>Despite today's Robocop statue unveiling being cancelled (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/robocop-day-plans-go-awry-709024">turns out it's not ready</a>), Old Detroit's most famous peace officer made the rounds today. Included was a stop at Comerica Park.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>RoboCop has arrived... <a href="http://t.co/rSTNqc9s0I">http://t.co/rSTNqc9s0I</a> <a href="http://t.co/AqA7xy0do1">pic.twitter.com/AqA7xy0do1</a></p>
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) <a href="https://twitter.com/tigers/statuses/473918366949076992">June 3, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23PAWSSelfie&src=hash">#PAWSSelfie</a> with RoboCop! <a href="http://t.co/amxoAjEAcR">pic.twitter.com/amxoAjEAcR</a></p>
— PAWS (@PAWSDetroit) <a href="https://twitter.com/PAWSDetroit/statuses/473959401410146304">June 3, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Robocop's main duty, other than to serve the public trust, protect the innocent, and uphold the law, was to throw out the first pitch before tonight's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bluebirdbanter.com/">Blue Jays</a> - Tigers game. Murphy was accompanied by Paws and Detroit Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Got to share the plate with Robocop tonight! <a href="https://twitter.com/tigers">@tigers</a> <a href="http://t.co/LfetUcnNM9">pic.twitter.com/LfetUcnNM9</a></p>
— Nick Fairley (@Nick_Fairley251) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nick_Fairley251/statuses/473975766552547330">June 3, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" lang="en">
<p>I like it. RT <a href="https://twitter.com/freepsports">@freepsports</a>: The <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Tigers&src=hash">#Tigers</a>' newest bullpen arm. <a href="http://t.co/xQh5ngzUop">pic.twitter.com/xQh5ngzUop</a>"</p>
— Bless You Boys (@blessyouboys) <a href="https://twitter.com/blessyouboys/statuses/473969025886584832">June 3, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p><iframe src="http://m.tigers.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=33399731&topic_id=8877502&width=400&height=224&property=mlb" frameborder="0" height="224" width="400">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>RoboCop bounced it! <a href="https://t.co/jBzLlyPLn7">https://t.co/jBzLlyPLn7</a></p>
— Bless You Boys (@blessyouboys) <a href="https://twitter.com/blessyouboys/statuses/473986879574921216">June 4, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
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<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>I'll buy that for a dollar...</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/6/3/5777508/robocop-follows-prime-directives-throws-first-pitch-at-comerica-park-detroit-tigersAl Beaton2014-06-03T09:00:27-04:002014-06-03T09:00:27-04:00Game 54 Preview: Blue Jays at Tigers
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/V1jgIqMSt7o2qXGfuZnwGGUs4dA=/0x33:4000x2700/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/33748697/20140521_pjc_aa6_002.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Does good pitching really beat good hitting? The Tigers hope so, as the red hot Toronto Blue Jays come to town for a three-game series.</p> <h4>
<a href="https://www.bluebirdbanter.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Toronto Blue Jays</a> (34-24) at <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Tigers</a> (31-22)</h4>
<p><b>Time/Place:</b> 7:08 p.m., Comerica Park</p>
<p><b>SB Nation blog:</b> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bluebirdbanter.com">Bluebird Banter</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=6/3/2014">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>Drew Hutchison</span> (4-3, 3.88 ERA) vs. RHP <span>Anibal Sanchez</span> (2-2, 2.49 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>Hutchison</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>65.0</td>
<td>8.17</td>
<td>3.05</td>
<td>1.11</td>
<td>1.26</td>
<td>3.90</td>
<td>3.80</td>
<td>1.0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sanchez</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>43.1</td>
<td>8.52</td>
<td>3.12</td>
<td>0.00</td>
<td>0.99</td>
<td>2.20</td>
<td>3.52</td>
<td>1.5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Drew Hutchison grew up in the shadows of the Tigers' Spring Training complex in Lakeland, Fla., and was drafted by the Blue Jays in 2009. He made his big league debut in 2012 at the ripe age of 21 before missing nearly all of the 2013 season due to Tommy John surgery. He made just 10 starts in the minors last year, allowing a 4.84 ERA in 35 1/3 innings. An impressive spring won him a job in the Jays' rotation this season, and he has taken advantage of the opportunity in a big way. He allowed six runs in 3 1/3 innings in his second start, but rewarded the club's patience by allowing a 3.51 ERA in his past nine starts.</p>
<p>While Hutchison's success is a bit surprising -- he has never adorned any top prospect lists -- the numbers suggest that it is entirely sustainable. He has a solid 2.68 strikeout-to-walk ratio, and his 3.91 FIP is nearly identical to his 3.88 ERA. His batted ball rates are within normal ranges, though Blue Jays fans might like to see that fly ball rate dip just a bit given their hitter-friendly home ballpark. His arsenal is fairly simple: fastball and slider to right-handed hitters, with a changeup added in against lefties. He is still working on getting the latter out -- they have a .328 wOBA and 9.2 percent walk rate against him -- but his overall platoon splits are not too severe. He has been dynamite away from the Rogers Centre, holding opponents to a .618 OPS and 2.33 ERA in seven road starts.</p>
<p>Anibal Sanchez was brilliant in his last start, holding the <a href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Oakland Athletics</a> scoreless through eight innings. He ended up with a blemish on his record after <a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/5/29/5760676/poll-did-brad-ausmus-make-the-correct-decision-to-pull-anibal-sanchez" target="_blank">the pitching change heard 'round the world</a>. Sanchez struck out nine A's in his 8 1/3 innings of work and generated 11 whiffs in 111 pitches, a near 10 percent rate. The more impressive number, however, may have been the three hits he allowed -- one of which came in that decisive ninth inning. He did a remarkable job keeping the A's off balance, and it's easy to see why when you take a close look at his velocity chart.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/imported_assets/2225745/speed_php.png"><img alt="Speed_php_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/imported_assets/2225745/speed_php.png"></a><br><i> via <a href="http://www.brooksbaseball.net/pfxVB/speed.php?pitchSel=434671&game=gid_2014_05_28_detmlb_oakmlb_1/&batterX=0&innings=yyyyyyyyy&sp_type=1&s_type=3&league=mlb">www.brooksbaseball.net</a></i></p>
<p>The peaks and valleys may not look as impressive as usual, until you look at the axes. Sanchez dipped into the low 70s with a few pitches, and frequently bottomed out in the low 80s in order to keep hitters off his mid-90s fastball. He threw 25 changeups, 14 sliders, and 12 curveballs on the evening, but was still able to locate over two-thirds of his pitches for strikes.</p>
<p><b>Hitter to fear:</b> <span>Melky Cabrera</span> (.556/.556/.556 in 18 plate appearances)<br><b>Hitter to fail:</b> <span>Juan Francisco</span> (.000/.000/.000 in 3 plate appearances)</p>
<p>Sanchez's career stats against the Blue Jays are not pretty. He has allowed a 5.48 ERA and .798 OPS in four starts, all of which have come since the start of the 2012 season. He was rocked by the Jays in his first start as a member of the Tigers, allowing five runs on eight hits in six innings. However, things have gone much better at Comerica Park. In two home starts against Toronto, Sanchez has allowed four runs on 10 hits with 14 strikeouts in 13 2/3 innings of work. Individually, the Jays' success has relied on power. Melky Cabrera and <span>Brett Lawrie</span> are the only position players with batting averages above .300 against Sanchez, and Lawrie's success is in a limited sample of six at-bats. Lefty hurler <span>J.A. Happ</span> actually possesses the second-best OPS among all Blue Jays against Sanchez thanks to a double and a pair of walks in seven plate appearances.</p>
<h5>Outlook</h5>
<p>While the Tigers need to get going offensively, the matchup that everyone will be focusing on (and rightly so) is the Blue Jays' offense against the Tigers' starting pitching. The Jays have the best slugging average in the league at .453 and lead all of baseball with a 118 wRC+. Meanwhile, Sanchez has done well to limit teams to single bases this year. Among AL pitches with at least 40 innings, Sanchez ranks second with a .268 slugging average allowed, and has yet to give up a home run. It seems odd saying that he will need to keep pace with Hutchison, but with the Jays offense firing on all cylinders and Hutchison taking advantage of playing outside a bandbox, this is not the best matchup for the Tigers.</p>
<h5>Prediction</h5>
<p>Sanchez allows his first home run of the season tonight.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/6/3/5768040/2014-game-54-preview-toronto-blue-jays-at-detroit-tigersRob Rogacki