The pitching match-up heading into the game looked promising for the Tigers. Jeremy Bonderman was scheduled to pitch against a prospect for the making his first major league appearance. The game ended up being anything other than promising for the Tigers. They made Fausto Carmona look like a seasoned veteran and Bonderman looked like he was taking the major league mound for the first time in an easy 7-2 Indians victory.Detroits’ offense was missing a few key components, but that provides no excuse for the poor effort and lack of quality at bats. Dmitri Young tore his hamstring placing him on the 15 day DL. Alexis Gomez got the call up from Toledo to replace Young, but all of the Mud Hens hitters have struggled early in the year. Polanco and Maggs both felt sore and were rested for the afternoon and Pudge was off with his normal day of rest. The Tigers offense did what it seems to frequently do against opposing pitchers making their first start…they made Carmona look like Cy Young. The situational hitting was poor and Detroit frequently let the youngster off the hook as he got out of the few jams he faced.
The story was completely different for the Cleveland offense that battered Bonderman early as Hafner drove a home run to right with one on in the top of the first. Bondy appeared to settle down by retiring the next 7 batters in a row before getting roughed up and not able to get out of the fourth. He did not have good control and was not able to hold off the potent Indian attack.
The lone bright spot for the Tigers was Jordan Tata who came out of the bullpen to quiet the storm and keep Detroit in the game with four scoreless innings. He continues to pitch well during this opportunity he has been granted because of the injury to Todd Jones. Leyland extended him and said the plan is for Tata to return to the starting rotation in the minors. With his performance he should be on the fast track to the Tigers rotation. With the struggles of Nate Robertson he could get an opportunity in the mix sooner than expected.
*** OEs 3 Stars of the Game ***
#3 Omar Infante – 2-4 with a run scored and one RBI
#2 Bobby Seay – 1.1 scoreless innings in relief with 2 Ks
#1 Jordan Tata – 4 IP, 0 runs, 0 ER, 2 hits, 3 BB, 2 Ks for a 3.12 ERA in 2006
On Tap – Game 12 v. Cleveland Indians, April 16th 1:05 ET
Mike Maroth (1-0, 1.69) v. Cliff Lee (1-0, 3.97)
