Warning: If my Detroit Tigers continue this magical season, I’ll be posting a bunch about it.
Tigers beat Cleveland 7-2 Sunday afternoon.
If ever there was a more deceptive final score in any sport, you’ll have to prove it to me.
This was the paradigm of “It ain’t over ’til it’s over.”
But, first of course, before the recap, my usual self indulgence. How I came to watch every pitch of the out of market game.
* * * * *
Son of Motown, the Tigers have been my team, even after moving to Louisville when I was three. Saw Al Kaline play against Cleveland in mid 50s, batting against Mike Garcia and Don Mossi. Was at Briggs Stadium one other time in ’62 for a game against KC Athletics.
Went with some pals last summer to Cincy, and got to see Tarik Skubal pitch a masterpiece against the Reds.
Beyond any expectations, Detroit has been hot all season after their surprising run to the playoffs last year. Best record in MLB, even after dropping three to Dodgers to open season.
My inner Little Leaguer is roaring. Have been gamecasting outings. Less than optimal.
The TV schedules indicated the Tigers game was going to be on Fox Saturday night.
It wasn’t.
Frustrated, Sunday morning I sprang for a Benjamin to watch them play on mlb.tv for the rest of the year.
* * * * *
What a friggin’ game.
Skubal shut down the Guardians for 7 full. 0 runs. 3 hits. 10 Ks. No BBs.
Cleveland’s Gavin Williams matched him. Going 6, surrendering a lone Tiger hit and no runs.
The bullpens were tweedly, but still no scoring until bottom of 8th. When Steven Kwan’s two bagger plated a Cleveland run.
Top of the 9th. Cleveland’s closer Emmanuel Clase on the mound.
Leadoff Spencer Torkelson HBP. Wencel Perez flies out. Strategist maestro AJ Hinch pinch ran speedy Zach McKinstry.
Who stole second, after being called out on field, overturned on review. Made it to 3d on a ground out.
Parker Meadows at the plate. Two down. 1-2 count. Tigers a strike away from losing.
Clase’s slider in the dirt rolls through catcher Bo Naylor’s legs. McKinstry scores standing.
1-1.
Ah, Baseball.
Tigers bullpen depleted, Chase Lee back on the mound in bottom of 9th. Gives up a leadoff double. Then induces a fly out to CF, a ground out to 1st, which McKinstry who has never played 1B in the majors handles easily with a borrowed mitt, and a line out to 3d.
In the top of the 10th, Tigers roared.
Led improbably by Louisville’s own Trey Sweeney, who unproductive was demoted last week spending 48 hours as a Mud Hen in Toledo until recalled because of an injury to Kerry Carpenter.
He proceeded to hit a three run homer. His first ever in the majors to opposite field.
Followed by a two run long ball by Riley Greene, who inexplicably had been to that point 0/22 against Cleveland for the season.
Cleveland scored an unimportant run in bottom.
From a strike away from 0-1 L to 7-2 W.
These Tigers are gritty.
Which has given rise to catchphrase, Gritty Tigs.
Which to be honest, I don’t especially like.
I’ll just say, Bless You Boys.
— c d kaplan