Detroit Tigers Season Update: Bonderman Gets First Win As Tiger Bats Wake Up

Some timely hitting and a good showing by the bullpen gave the Detroit Tigers thier first win of 2008, as they defeated the world champion Boston Red Sox 7-2 at Fenway Park. Jeremy Bonderman had a strong start through six innings for his first win.

The Red Sox led 2-0 before Tiger shortstop Edgar Renteria delivered a two run double, tying the game at two.

Marcus Thames added a two-run homer to break the tie, giving Detroit a 4-2 lead in the fifth.

Brandon Inge continues to hit, as he had a two-run single to bring the game to 6-2.
Carlos Guillen slammed a solo homer of his own to bring the scoring to rest at 7-2 in favor of Detroit.

Bobby Seay was virtually unhittable through two innings before giving way to Francis Beltran, Denny Bautista and then closer Todd Jones. Seay looked in command as his superb breaking-ball kept the Boston sluggers off-balance. Denny Bautista, for his part, looks more and more like the set-up man the Tigers so desperately need with Fernando Rodney and Joel Zumaya on the disabled list.

Todd Jones, the human rollercoaster, loaded the bases with two outs in the ninth before getting a lazy fly ball to left to end the game, preserving the Tigers' win.

Tiger manager Jim Leyland was very pleased with the performance of the bullpen.

Tiger rookie outfielder Clete Thomas continues to be a bright spot as he added a perfect sacrifice bunt to move runners up and set the table for Brandon Inge's two-run single. Thomas also laced a single down the third-base line later in the game. It will be tough to send this kid down, as he is now 8-for-16; a batting average of .500. We'll have to see what happens when centerfielder Curtis Granderson rejoins the line-up.

Ivan Rodriguez claimed his 2500th career hit with a sharp single to right. Congratulations are in order for the all-star catcher.

Former Tiger Sean Casey greeted his old friends with two hits for the Red Sox. He also had some tips for former teammate Carlos Guillen at first-base, mainly on footwork and the proper glove to use. Thank you, Sean, as you are still dearly loved in Detroit and we wish you all the best.

The Tigers will try to put a winning streak together tonight at Boston in the final game of a three game set. Nate Robertson gets the call as the starter for Detroit, as he looks for his first win.

Let's hope the Tigers can get it turned around. Go get 'em, Tigers!