Rack another victory up for the Tigers. Detroit is now the only undefeated team in the American League. Not quite what I expected, but am thrilled with the development. Friday night did not bring the offensive explosion from the Tigers, but they continued to hit with power, drive in timely runs and take advantage of Texas mistakes. Once again the starting pitching proved to be solid and the bullpen maintained the lead. Chris Shelton went yard again for his 5th of the season. The Tigers shattered the record for the most home runs in four games. The previous record was 13 by the 1998 Seattle Mariners. Detroit belted 16 HRs in the first four games this year. Shelton continues to be the story for the offense. The guy is amazing going 2-3 with 2 runs scored and is batting .688 so far. He may be one of the best rule 5 picks in history if he continues to hit this way. Marcus Thames played a nice game getting the start at DH going 3-4 with 2 runs scored. Thames was not expected to make the opening day roster, but played well in the spring and has got off to a hot start. Polanco and Guillen also had a pair of hits for the Tigers.
Detroit took advantage of some sloppy Ranger defense that began with a pop fly to right off Shelton’s bat that became a double when misplayed in the wind by Kevin Mench. Marcus Thames, on first with a single, ran the bases well and ended up on third. Guillen drove in Thames with a single and Shelton scored on a sac fly by Monroe. Shelton’s two run homer came in the fourth with Thames aboard. The final Tiger’s run game when Guillen grounded into a double play with bases loaded and none out in the 6th.
Maroth started out shaky giving up a HR to Michael Young in the bottom of the first. However, that turned out to be the only run he allowed in 5.1 innings pitched. Maroth gave up 8 hits while only walking one. He often found himself in trouble, but did a nice job pitching out of it. Texas left 9 runners on base during the game and ground into 3 double plays.
Jason Grilli saw his first action of the year giving up one run in an inning and a third. He retired the first two batters in the 7th before yielding a single and a walk. Joel Zumaya replaced him and gave up a RBI single to Mark Teixeira. Zumaya quickly escaped further damage. Zumaya again pitched well in his second appearance got an inning and a third surrendering only the one hit. He struck out one and did not give up a run. Zumaya earned credit for his second hold of the season.
Fernando Rodney came in to gain his second save of the season. He gave up a base hit to Ian Kinsler, but got the dangerous Michael Young to ground out to end the game. The quality signs continued for the Tigers. Once again the team did not commit any errors, the pitching was sharp and the offense got the job done. I am definitely looking forward to Verlander’s first start of the 2006 season.
*** OEs 3 Stars of the Game ***
#3 Marcus Thames – 3-4 with 2 runs scored
#2 Mike Maroth – picked up the win with 5.1 IP, scattering 8 hits giving up 1 earned run
#1 Chris Shelton – 2-3 with 2 runs scored, 2 RBIs and another HR
