The Detroit Tigers move on to a series against the Minnesota Twins tonight after taking two of three from the Seattle Mariners...
There are going to be some firsts this weekend.
The Tigers are in first place, a pitcher will play in his first major league game, and Mike Maroth will pitch well against the Twins tonight for seemingly the first time in his career.
What basis do I have to back this up? Absolutely none. Nothing other than the belief that I have that Maroth is due for a big game.
Last season, he was great out of the gate. He got through April and most of May with a 2 point something ERA which ballooned up a full run the day of his injury when he couldn't get out of the first inning against the Kansas City Royals.
Now, however, is the time for Maroth to come back. He has gotten lucky with run support in most of his six starts this season. He doesn't look to get it tonight against Johann Santana, but with the way Magglio Ordonez has been hitting the ball, and with his career 15 for 35 against Santana with four home runs, the Tigers just might help him out a bit.
But Maroth needs a quality start big and bad. This is the time for him to get one. He will keep the ball down, the Twins will ground out a lot, and the Tigers will win 4-3, breaking a tie when Santana is pulled in the eighth inning after the Tiger patient bats get his pitch count up a bit.
The Tigers have to win. They have won each and every one of Maroth's starts this season.
But, there is a first time for everything...
