Bless You Boys - Game 138: Tigers 4, Indians 2A detailed list of nope about the Detroit Tigershttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47585/default.png2014-09-02T23:56:55-04:00http://www.blessyouboys.com/rss/stream/58633682014-09-02T23:56:55-04:002014-09-02T23:56:55-04:00Tigers 4, Indians 2: J.D. Martinez saves the game!
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FHBhk2OfBEAgvhyJLOmHC9rwFcQ=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/37864032/454523744.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jason Miller</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Kyle Lobstein pitched well, making just one mistake in 5 1/3 innings of work. The Tigers offense failed to back their starter until the ninth inning, when J.D. Martinez hit a three-run shot that stole a win from the Indians.</p> <p><span>Kyle Lobstein</span> gave the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a> another good outing, but it was <span>J.D. Martinez</span> who stole the show. After being unable to get anything done all night offensively, a three-run home run to center field turned the tables on a losing situation. The Tigers won 4-2, robbing the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Indians</a> of a win that was all but guaranteed coming into the ninth inning.</p>
<p>Lobstein had difficulties with the strike zone early on and it led to him being pulled after 5 1/3 innings due to a high pitch count, but in that time he gave up just two runs on five hits, both coming via the long ball. Lobstein walked three batters and recorded at least two strikeouts in four of the innings, earning a career-high 10 strikeouts overall.</p>
<p>The Tigers offense had plenty of hits, but they couldn't produce on any of them, their lone run came via a bases-loaded walk that <span>Alex Avila</span> drew. The offense threatened against the Indians in six out of their eight innings but every single time they failed to plate a runner, stranding runners at third base on multiple occasions.</p>
<p>For eight innings the Tigers were 2-15 with runners in scoring position, putting Lobstein on the hook for the loss. But there are nine innings for a reason and with two on and one out, J.D. Martinez blasted a monster three-run home run to deep center field. What was once looking like a 2-1 loss in the works quickly turned into a lead that held.</p>
<p>Torii Hunter's at-bat was crucial though. Coming into the ninth inning, Hunter was 0-9 in the series, but he battled eight pitches to draw a leadoff walk. <span>Steven Moya</span> pinch-ran for Miguel Cabrera, who singled to put two aboard for <span>Victor Martinez</span>. He would fly out and it was left to J.D. Martinez to come up with a clutch hit, and he did not disappoint.</p>
<p>The bullpen had a few hiccups, but overall they kept it together and did not allow a run. The win went to <span>Phil Coke</span> (3-2), who pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings and retired the eighth on just six pitches. <span>Blaine Hardy</span> pitched a scoreless inning with one hit and two walks, and <span>Joe Nathan</span> sent the Indians packing as he gave up just one hit with two outs, earning his 29th save of the season.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>ROARS:</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><b>Kyle Lobstein: </b>He got off to a shaky start, unable to find the strike zone half of the time. For that, Lobstein was at 63 pitches through three innings, but he found the zone in the third inning and struck out the side. While he was pulled after 5 1/3 innings with a runner on first, Lobstein finished with 10 strikeouts in that time, walking three. For a pinch-fifth starter, Lobstein is filling in nicely.</p>
<blockquote data-partner="tweetdeck" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>K-K-K-K-K-Kyle Lobstein</p>
— Bless You Boys (@blessyouboys) <a href="https://twitter.com/blessyouboys/status/506959697207779328">September 3, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Blaine Hardy/Phil Coke: </b>Hardy was sent in to clean up Alburquerque's mess and he did just that. Hardy walked the leadoff man then erased him with a snap pickoff and recorded the second out in the seventh. Hardy wasn't able to get the third out and put two on, so Coke was sent to finish the inning. He did just that and remained in the game to retire the eighth inning in order on six pitches.</p>
<p><b>Middle of the order: </b>Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez and J.D. Martinez all finished 3-5 with two doubles. J.D. Martinez got the final word though, when he smoked a three-run home run to center field in the ninth inning with one out that put the Tigers up 4-2. (<a target="_blank" href="http://m.tigers.mlb.com/det/video/v35898861/detcle-j-martinezs-blast-puts-tigers-ahead-in-9th/?partnerId=as_mlb_20140903_30911706">MLB.com video</a>)</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p>Ever think about where you'd be without J.D. Martinez? Brad Ausmus: "I don't like to do that."</p>
— Chris Iott (@Chris_Iott) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chris_Iott/status/507013013245685760">September 3, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p><b><span>Rajai Davis</span>: </b>He finished the night with three hits on four at-bats, including a double. No thanks to <span>Ian Kinsler</span> and Torii Hunter's productive-less night, he never touched home plate. Although Hunter does earn a big hat tip for drawing the leadoff walk in the ninth inning. But still, it should not have come down to that.</p>
<p><b>Joe Nathan: </b>Allowed just one two-out hit, needing just 11 pitches to close out the game in solid fashion.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>HISSES:</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><b>TTBDNS: </b>Multiple scoring opportunities in innings two through seven were squandered. All started out with less than two outs and only one came around to score via a seven-pitch walk by Alex Avila in the second inning with the bases loaded. By the end of the eight innings, the Tigers were still trailing 2-1 when it should have easily been a blowout situation. With few exceptions, everyone on the starting lineup gets a hiss here by default.</p>
<blockquote data-partner="tweetdeck" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>The Tigers have a pair of runners on base with one out. This seems familiar...</p>
— Bless You Boys (@blessyouboys) <a href="https://twitter.com/blessyouboys/status/506972997760978944">September 3, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p><b><span>Carlos Carrasco</span>: </b>His fastball looked like his slider, and his slider looked like his fastball. The Tigers fell for the slider every single time and the previous hiss was the result. Ordinarily, you could have made the argument that the Tigers weren't able to make contact, but 13 hits and the middle of the order listing multiple of them proves otherwise.</p>
<p><b><span>Al Alburquerque</span>: </b>Sent in to replace Lobstein in the sixth, Alburquerque was unable to record an out or find the strike zone, leaving two on and a tricky situation for Hardy to clean up.</p>
<p><strong>NOTES::</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong>Tuesday a scoring change was issued regarding Monday's game. <span>Miguel Cabrera's</span> single in the third inning was changed to an error by the right fielder, Mike Aviles. Subsequently, both home runs hit by Victor Martinez and J.D. Martinez in that inning were also unearned, because had Aviles caught the ball as he should have been able to, the inning would have been over. Corey Kluber's line is corrected to reflect two earned runs and three unearned, rather than the five earned runs he was initially charged with. Cabrera is now credited with a 3-5 day (reaching on the E9 in the third) instead of a 4-5 afternoon.</p>
<p>The double that J.D. Martinez dropped in Sunday's sloppy defensive game has not yet been changed to an error.</p>
<p>Alex Avila was taken out of the game in the sixth inning after being struck by a near-direct impact foul tip to the mask. <span>Bryan Holaday</span> took over catching duties and Avila walked off the field under his own power, howbeit slowly, and he had a dazed look while talking to head athletic trainer Kevin Rand in the dugout.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p>Alex Avila said he felt fine after the game. He certainly was in better shape than I expected to find him.</p>
— Chris Iott (@Chris_Iott) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chris_Iott/status/507013458324254720">September 3, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span>Joakim Soria</span> (strained left oblique) played catch from 140 feet prior to the game, doing so without pain for the first time since going on the disabled list on August 10. Ausmus told reporters he will probably throw batting practice rather than pitch in the minors, but there still isn't a timetable for his return.</p>
<p><strong>STREAKS AND STATS:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><span>Miguel Cabrera hit the 455th double of his career and his AL-leading 43rd of the season in the fourth inning. The hit put him within one of the 98th spot for the All-Time leaders spot in doubles, currently occupied by <span>Omar Vizquel</span>, who has 456.</span></li>
<li><span>Kyle Lobstein is one of three Tiger pitchers since 1914 to strike out 10-or-more in one of his first three career appearances. The other two to strike out 10-or-more in one of their first three career appearances were Jack Morris on July 31, 1977 against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Rangers</a>, and Denny McLain on September 29, 1963 against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.camdenchat.com/">Orioles</a>. Lobstein's 10 strikeouts were also a career high.</span></li>
<li><span>Blaine Hardy spoiled an opportunity for the Indians by getting the final out to leave the bases loaded in the 6th inning. Hardy has allowed just three of 19 inherited base-runners to score this season.</span></li>
<li> <span>J.D. Martinez hit the first ninth inning go-ahead home run of his career. </span>In seven games at Progressive Field this season, J.D. Martinez is hitting .464 with five home runs and 13 RBI.</li>
<li>The Tigers picked up the first two games of the four-game series against the Indians and have won seven of their last 10 games. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.royalsreview.com/">Royals</a> won 2-1 against the Rangers so the Tigers remain a half-game behind them for the AL Central lead.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>WIN PROBABILITY GRAPH:</strong></p>
<p><iframe style="border:1px solid black;" width="450" height="450" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="http://www.fangraphs.com/graphframe.aspx?config=0&static=0&type=livewins&num=0&h=450&w=450&date=2014-09-02&team=Indians&dh=0"></iframe><br><span>Source: <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/livewins.aspx?date=2014-09-02&team=Indians&dh=0&season=2014">FanGraphs</a></span></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>ROLL CALL:</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p> </p>
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<thead>
<tr>
<th colspan="2">Roll Call Info</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="150">Total comments</td>
<td>1,034</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>Total commenters</td>
<td>41</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Commenter list</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Alex%20Baker">Alex Baker</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/AlohaTigersFan">AlohaTigersFan</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/AurelioFan">AurelioFan</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Bent82">Bent82</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DetFanInPhx">DetFanInPhx</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DetroitSports">DetroitSports</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ExTeeBallPitcher">ExTeeBallPitcher</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/I.P.%20Knightly">I.P. Knightly</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/JWurm">JWurm</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/J_the_Man">J_the_Man</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Jacob30">Jacob30</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/JakeJustice65">JakeJustice65</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Jeff%20Price">Jeff Price</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/JerseyTigerFan">JerseyTigerFan</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Joaquin%20on%20Sunshine">Joaquin on Sunshine</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/JoeK5">JoeK5</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Kwisatz%20Haderach">Kwisatz Haderach</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Michigan%26TrumbullinLA">Michigan&TrumbullinLA</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/NCDee">NCDee</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SabreRoseTiger">SabreRoseTiger</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SanDiegoMick">SanDiegoMick</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Starsailor">Starsailor</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Tigersalltheway">Tigersalltheway</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/bettynoire">bettynoire</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/dimes5">dimes5</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/draykov44">draykov44</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/dynoooomite!">dynoooomite!</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/frisbeepilot">frisbeepilot</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ja_zz">ja_zz</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/knucklescarbone">knucklescarbone</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/nicolas08">nicolas08</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/portwinelad">portwinelad</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/skysix">skysix</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/sluggonauts">sluggonauts</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/subic%20sailor">subic sailor</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/swish330">swish330</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/zkello">zkello</a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>Story URLs</td>
<td>
<div><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/9/2/6097909/game-138-tigers-at-indians-7-05-p-m">http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/9/2/6097909/game-138-tigers-at-indians-7-05-p-m</a></div>
<div><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/9/2/6099653/game-138-overflow">http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/9/2/6099653/game-138-overflow</a></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>TOP TEN COMMENTERS:</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p> </p>
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<thead>
<tr>
<th width="20">#</th> <th>Commenter</th> <th># Comments</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SanDiegoMick">SanDiegoMick</a></td>
<td>147</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SabreRoseTiger">SabreRoseTiger</a></td>
<td>122</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/dynoooomite!">dynoooomite!</a></td>
<td>67</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>4</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Verlanderful">Verlanderful</a></td>
<td>52</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Alex%20Baker">Alex Baker</a></td>
<td>47</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>6</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Kwisatz%20Haderach">Kwisatz Haderach</a></td>
<td>43</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/NCDee">NCDee</a></td>
<td>40</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>8</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/JerseyTigerFan">JerseyTigerFan</a></td>
<td>40</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/JWurm">JWurm</a></td>
<td>36</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>10</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Jacob30">Jacob30</a></td>
<td>35</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>TOP RECS:</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p> </p>
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<thead>
<tr>
<th width="60"># Recs</th> <th>Commenter</th> <th>Comment Link</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/bettynoire">bettynoire</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/9/2/6099653/game-138-overflow#254792214">[no title]</a></td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/NCDee">NCDee</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/9/2/6099653/game-138-overflow#254795388">Never Give Up!</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Alex%20Baker">Alex Baker</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/9/2/6099653/game-138-overflow#254764666">I havent seen somebody having this much trouble getting past third base since my high school years</a></td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/9/2/6098807/tigers-4-indians-2-j-d-martinez-homer-decisive-blow-ninth-rallyCatherine Slonksnis2014-09-02T22:59:41-04:002014-09-02T22:59:41-04:00Game 138 Afterglow
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MzXBT8HvB1G7FdRjxnLg-nd4syU=/0x0:1100x733/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/37861840/0052f107b176f9fc9967489441fa9d5d.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>Bask!!!!!</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/9/2/6100103/game-138-afterglowNCDee2014-09-02T20:53:26-04:002014-09-02T20:53:26-04:00Game 138 Overflow
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MZYtbfDuDBTeDwqZYZG_OQp5BiY=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/37858290/454519010.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jason Miller</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Super Kinsler!</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/9/2/6099653/game-138-overflowNCDee2014-09-02T09:00:10-04:002014-09-02T09:00:10-04:00Game 138 Preview: Tigers at Indians
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/phPRoro4mxtuIsAO643USW_eZ4k=/0x100:4000x2767/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/37807048/20140816_tcb_ar7_043.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Richard-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Kyle Lobstein is still in search of his first career win as he faces off against a revitalized Carlos Carrasco and the Indians.</p> <h4>
<a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Tigers</a> (75-62) at <a href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Indians</a> (70-65)</h4>
<p><b>Time/Place:</b> 7:05 p.m., Progressive Field</p>
<p><b>SB Nation blog:</b> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.letsgotribe.com/">Let's Go Tribe</a></p>
<p><b>Media:</b> Fox Sports Detroit, MLB Network, <a target="_blank" href="http://mlb.mlb.com/mediacenter/index.jsp?c_id=mlb&affiliateId=mlbMENU#date=9/2/2014">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> LHP <span>Kyle Lobstein</span> (0-0, 3.09 ERA) vs. RHP <span>Carlos Carrasco</span> (6-4, 3.01 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>Lobstein</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>11.2</td>
<td>2.31</td>
<td>3.86</td>
<td>0.00</td>
<td>1.11</td>
<td>3.90</td>
<td>5.86</td>
<td>0.1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Carrasco</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>89.2</td>
<td>8.63</td>
<td>2.11</td>
<td>0.60</td>
<td>1.00</td>
<td>2.88</td>
<td>2.85</td>
<td>1.4</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>For a little while, it looked like Carlos Carrasco's 2014 season would be a mirror image of his 2013 campaign. He gave up 18 runs (17 earned) in his first four starts. He put up 23 strikeouts to nine walks in his first 22 innings, but no amount of sparkly peripherals were going to hide that 6.95 ERA. Instead of stashing him in the minors like they did in 2013 season, the Indians stuck him in the bullpen instead. The result? Oh, just a 2.30 ERA and 4.33 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 43 innings spanning late April to early August. He never worked his way into a late innings role -- though did tally a save -- and moved back into the rotation in August.</p>
<p>This time, the Carrasco experiment has been a resounding success. He is 3-0 with a 0.73 ERA in four starts, with 24 strikeouts to just three walks in 24 2/3 innings. He has also allowed only one home run during this stretch, though the home run ball has never really been a problem for him. He has also held opponents to just 11 hits in 24 2/3 innings. This is a monumental turnaround from last season, when he sported a 1.76 WHIP in 46 2/3 big league innings.</p>
<p>So what's the big difference, aside from "everything?" Chad Young of <i>Let's Go Tribe</i> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.letsgotribe.com/2014/8/20/6047533/cleveland-indians-carlos-carrasco-SP-RP-turnaround">did a lot of the legwork</a>, pointing out several key areas of improvement. Here's one of particular interest:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>2) A change in his pitch mix:</b> In April Carrasco threw 56.7% hard pitches (sinker and four-seamer), 28.9% breaking pitches (slider and curve) and 14.4% off-speed pitches (changeup). In August, he is using the hard stuff more (62.8%) and the slower stuff less (26.3% and 10.9% respectively). Within that mix, he is also using his slider (which has always been his most effective pitch) more often. He never uses it much vs. lefties (3% in April, 0% in August), but he's nearly doubled his usage (from 23% to 45%) against right-handed opponents.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>His velocity is also up and he's throwing more strikes, which helps too.</p>
<p>Kyle Lobstein has not posted a very impressive stat line through his first two big league outings -- namely, he has five walks to three strikeouts in 11 2/3 innings -- but he was able to hold the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">New York Yankees</a> to a pair of runs (one earned) on just four hits in six innings in his first career start. It wasn't a particularly stressful day for him either, as he faced just three batters in four of his six innings of work. Lobstein only threw 83 pitches during the outing (49 for strikes), but the bullpen was able to keep the score tied long enough to come away with a victory. Normally, a decision to pull the starter that early would have left some foaming at the mouth, but I thought that Ausmus made the right move to get his rookie out of dodge. If Lobstein can do the same tonight, the Tigers are playing with house money.</p>
<p><b>Tigers hitter to fear:</b> <span>Torii Hunter</span> (.500/.538/1.250 in 13 plate appearances)<br><b>Tigers hitter to fail:</b> <span>Victor Martinez</span> (.182/.182/.364 in 11 plate appearances)</p>
<p>There are bound to be plenty of gaudy stat lines considering Tigers batters have hit .382/.435/.603 against Carrasco in his career. That OPS is slightly better -- though not much, at .917 -- when you only consider players currently on the Tigers' roster. Torii Hunter has done most of the damage, with six hits in 12 at-bats, but <span>Miguel Cabrera</span>, <span>Ian Kinsler</span>, and <span>Alex Avila</span> all have an OPS above .900 in eight plate appearances or more.</p>
<h5>Outlook</h5>
<p>While it's easy to buy Carrasco's improvements based on the numbers, there are still a couple of questions he needs to answer tonight. First, can he handle the Tigers' lineup? He has allowed an 8.07 ERA in 10 career outings (five starts) against them, and has essentially turned every hitter into Miguel Cabrera. Second, what happens when hits start to fall in? Carrasco has a .169 BABIP during this excellent four start stretch, well below his career average of .311. He may not need to be as sharp as Kluber had to be opposite <span>David Price</span> last night, but a repeat of last season's 12 earned runs in 7 1/3 innings won't cut it if the Tribe want to stay in the playoff hunt.</p>
<h5>Prediction</h5>
<p>The Tigers get to Carrasco and the bullpen in the later innings and win their second in a row.</p>
<p><i>Editor's Note: SB Nation's partner FanDuel is hosting daily $18,000 Fantasy Baseball leagues. It's $2 to join and first prize is $2,000. <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fanduel.com%2Fleague%2Fmlb-squeeze%3Ft%3DSBN_MLBTIGERS&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blessyouboys.com%2F2014%2F9%2F2%2F6095539%2F2014-game-138-preview-detroit-tigers-at-cleveland-indians" target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">Click here for details</a>.</i></p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/9/2/6095539/2014-game-138-preview-detroit-tigers-at-cleveland-indiansRob Rogacki