Tigers Quest for Eighth Straight Ruined in the Eighth

Our Detroit Tigers squandered a 4-3 lead in the eighth inning late Friday night. The Tigers had a runner in scoring position with just one out after a stolen base by Josh Anderson.

However, the streak ended at eight as they were unable to tie up the game in the ninth. Final score 5-3 with the loss going to Joel Zumaya.

The Good

MIGUEL CABRERA remained on fire as he went 2-for-4 with a walk and a solo home run off Wandy Rodriguez in the first inning. In his last 10 games, he's 17-for-39 with six home runs. Yeah, I would say he is heating up again.

ZACH MINER pitched 1 1/3 innings, surrendering just one hit. He entered the game for Not So Great Nate and turned a clutch double play late in the game.

Although Leyland likes Miner in his current role, you have to believe if this continues, Zach is a shoo-in for the rotation eventually.

The Bad

The streak ended and it really didn’t have to. Don’t get me wrong, it was bound to end sooner or later. Perhaps leaving JOEL ZUMAYA in too long decided the outcome, though.

Well, Blake continued to be correct in reference to Zumaya and his struggles this June. Last night's line of 2/3 of an inning three walks (one scoring a run) one hit and two earned runs.

Out of his 30 total pitches, only 17 went for strikes. The struggling Zumaya should not have been put on the hill in the eighth inning at all.

He recorded the last out in the seventh, and with his recent struggles, perhaps a fresh arm for the eighth would have been a wiser move.

Its easy to Monday Morning Quarterback, but I just believe that you let Joel leave the game and let his confidence build slowly.

Although I’m not big on FREDDI DOLSI, you called him up, Jimmy, give him a chance. I believe it would have been the wiser move to give him the ball before the damage was already done.

MAGGLIO ORDONEZ was 0-for-4 and stranded seven, yeah seven human beings were on base and zero scored. He also hit into yet another double play. I still got faith in Maggs, but if he keeps this up he will drop from bad to ugly.

The Ugly

NATE ROBERTSON entered the game for the favorable match-up replacing JUSTIN VERLANDER. Really? You just know Justin was heading back to the dugout thinking, What did I do to piss you off, Skip?

One batter, one hit and Nate exits the game again.  Hey Skip, hows that favorable match-up working out for you?

I think we all agree it’s about a quarter past the time to do something with Nate. Bring up Rapada, Ni or French.

Heck, I’d settle for anyone not named Nate at this point. He doesn’t even look like he wants to play baseball anymore. No effort, no emotion, and certainly no skill.

Perhaps it’s time for “Tired Arm Syndrome;” after all, it seems fitting. I, for one, am tired of his arm!

AROUND TIGERS NATION

Jason Beck takes a great look at second baseman SCOTT SIZEMORE who was recently selected to play at the Futures Game. I certainly enjoyed watching him play last season in Lakeland before he was sidelined with a broken left wrist.

Interested in debating about Maggs and his contract/future? Part Two was recently added as well. Once again Kurt at Mack Avenue Tigers hits one out of the park, check it out!

Ian at Bless You Boys has a hilarious but effective approach to perhaps solving Zumaya’s recent problem of coughing up the lead.

Jennifer at Old English D has a slew of quality reads that vary from Maggs cutting off the locks to a great link featuring pictures of Tram checking out what’s left of Tiger Stadium.