Though it may not look like it, tonight's game is crucial...
The Tigers are scoring runs now. The bats are alive. They have scored at least five runs in each of their last four starts. What they have to show for it, however, is a 2-2 record.
It's time for the pitchers to come alive. With Miner going in the first game of the three game set against the Twins, it is up to Justin Verlander to stop the bleeding.
Though "bleeding" may not be the correct term, it does paint a picture. In any other time except the last four games, scoring five runs for the Tigers meant at worst a 3-1 record. Secondly, their pitchers would not give up a five-run lead, and they would most likely win a game where they made a seven-run comeback. At this point, here, the Tigers have to jump on the Indians tonight and keep them down. Verlander must pitch a gem.
With the off-day coming, the trade deadline approaching, and the Twins looming, the Tigers, now more than ever, have to show that they are the class of the Major Leagues, if not the American League, if not the AL Central. A loss tonight, or another game where they give up seven-plus runs, and every team will be licking its chops at the chance to face the Tigers' pitching.
Truth is, they need a break. Another truth, however, is that they are not going to get one. Maybe in late August, Maroth will come back, and everyone will be able to skip a start in September. A luxury though it seems, it may not be enough. Just when the bats start to wake up, their pitching goes downhill. It is time that both play in the same game. Against the White Sox, they didn't hit, but they pitched well. Since then, they have hit, but have not pitched well. Honestly, going back to the break, they have only had two well-pitched games. Luckily, they were against the Sox. They are not going to be able to come back from 4-0 deficits all the time like they did against the Royals.
Thank heavens the bats have woken, or the Tigers could have the same record as the White Sox since the break. If that were the case, there would be a three-team logjam at the top of the Central. It's worrysome to say the least.
Mr. Verlander. Pitch well. Your team needs it. Your city needs it. This is the time to show you are as good as any other rookie pitcher out there. Give Zumaya and Rodney another day of rest so Zoom Zoom can pitch in as many games as needed against the Twins and Fernando can work out the kinks in his mechanics. Keep Colon, Ledezma and Grilli out of the game (though they pitched so much yesterday that they likely wouldn't play anyway). Pitch eight strong of one-run ball. Let walker get out a lefty or two in the night, and have Jones come in for a one-pitch save.
And get your team ready for the Twins...
