The biggest key during this run of eight wins for the Tigs has been the increased offense coming from the bats. 14 hits yesterday added to the 17 from Sunday's game give the Tigs 31 hits in two games. It seemed like an entire week was needed to get the Tigs to get 31 hits earlier this year, but here we are- back on top of the division with the longest winning streak in the majors.
It's worth noting that the last time the Tigers won nine in a row, they ended up winning the World Series. They did it twice in 1984.
Looking to pick up the W today will be Nate Robertson, bringing in his 3-1 record on the season. Nate pitched well last week against Baltimore, allowing just two runs over seven innings when the Tigs won 3-2 on Craig Monroe's late home run.
For the Mariners, relative unknown Cha Seung Baek will take the mound. No Tiger has ever faced Baek, but hopefully they can keep his recent struggles going after he lasted just 3 and 2/3 against the Yankees on Friday. Baek comes in with an astronomical ERA of 7.53, and judging by the results of last night's game when Horacio Ramirez's 6+ ERA went up a full run during the game.
Felix Hernandez, the young Seattle phenom, was originally scheduled to pitch tonight's game but he has since been put on the 15 day DL with a strained muscle in his elbow.
Keys to the Game-
- Rocking Baek early and often will almost certainly translate into a win for the Tigs today. The Tigs got three runs to even the score yesterday and that just opened the floodgates for the later innings.
- No first inning runs. Usually it only happens during Bondo's starts and not Nate-o's, but even still playing from behind is much more difficult than playing with a lead.
- Rough game for Placido Polanco yesterday, going 0-5 for the game. It's a good sign when your best hitter can have an 0-5 day and the team still wins, but I'd rather get a multi-hit game out of Polly than nothing at all.
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