Game 159: Tigers 2, Twins 1

In back-to-back days, the guys who I wouldn't expect to be giving up big homeruns gave up big homeruns. Yesterday it was Casey Fein serving up 2 homeruns in the 8th. Prior to that, in 34.1 innings this season, he'd only given up 1 HR. Today it was Burt0n giving up a 2-run shot to Fielder in the 8th, the only runs the Tigers would need. Burton has worked 61 innings this season, allowing only 5 HR.

On a positive note, Cabrera went 0-3 to drop his average to .325 and Mauer had a very nice day at the plate going 3-4 and raising his average to .323. Hendriks held the Tigers to 5 hits in 7 innings of shutout ball.

Continue reading Game 159: Tigers 2, Twins 1

2012 Game 159: Tigers at Twins

Anibal Sanchez (passable) at Liam Hendriks (a work in progress)

This one might have trouble matching the excitement level of Game 163, but at least the Twins can slow things down for the team that employs Miguel Cabrera, and Hendriks can try to stop Cabrera from winning that Triple Crown that would nab an MVP award that Mike Trout deserves. Beyond that, I guess I just look at every win over #63 as an improvement over last year, so I may as well be happy. There's no real difference between 63 and 68 wins in the scheme of things, but dudes, it's all we've got.

I'd like to watch some of the playoff-implicating baseball today, but annoyingly, I'll be at work until the last games are ending. Oh well.

Game 158: Well, that’s done and over with.

I was pretty sure what kind of game I was getting when I saw the pitching matchup, but the game ended up being a lot more interesting than I would've believed it could be.

The seats (Section 110, row 5) were excellent. Target Field really doesn't have any bad seats, but these seats are solidly above any of the other ones I've sat in there. The day itself was gorgeous - perfect temperature, just the slightest of breezes, clear sky. The crowd was sort of docile (except for the obnoxious Tigers fan who started an 'M-V-P!' chant as Miggy circled the bases. after his backbreaker. It was a great game experience.

I just wish the result would've been better.

Notes:

* Doumit's home run was an agonizer, because it was hard to tell whether or not it was going to make it. It's always fun to see a home run live, but that one was even better.
* What exactly is it about Al Alburquerque?
* I noticed this at the last game I was at, but "When the Levee Breaks" is probably the most ominous "crap is about to go down" walkup music ever. Nice call by Plouffe.
* Linds wore her Morneau shirt without getting harassed this time. That's a plus, I suppose.

Game 158: Tigers @ Twins

It's Linds and I's fifth anniversary today, so we're going to be sitting right up close to the first base line for this one. The good news is that we'll get to see one of the best pitchers in the major leagues, the bad news is that he'll be pitching against us.

Justin Verlander takes on (digs hand in starting rotation box and pulls out random slip of paper) P.J. Walters.

Oh, yeah. This should be wonderful.

It's the last Saturday game of the year. I expect this game log to be packed when I get home.