One of the main problems the Tigers have run into this early in the season is lack of patience. This has led to quick outings for mediocre pitchers, and lots of low batting averages and OBPs.
Patience wasn't a problem today.
Seven walks were taken, and two Tigers batters were hit by pitches (both by veteran knuckleballer Tim Wakefield). But the theme of the young season is where there is a positive, there are plenty of negatives. Tigers pitching issued nine walks of their own (seven coming from the bullpen), and eight of those came around to score.
Just as the game seemed out of reach, Julian Tavarez entered. Two walks and a hit later, the bases were loaded. Singles from Brandon Inge and Ivan Rodriguez scored two to trim the lead to 8-5. In a bases loaded, no out situation, Gary Sheffield grounded in to a crippling double play. Through all of it, Marcus Thames was allowed to score from third to make the score 8-6.
Then in came Jonathan Paplebon.
He quickly disposed of Magglio Ordonez to end the threat in the 8th.
Just as the hope seemed to be overflowing since the game was in reach, the Red Sox (or Tigers bullpen, whichever you choose) exploded. The Sox scored four more to stretch their lead to 12-6.
The 9th was a formality from there.
1-8
Oh, and a decent sidenote would be that Magglio Ordonez got his first home run of the season. That's pretty cool I suppose (not really).
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