Tigers take the series from the Blue Jays

Tigers take the series from the Blue Jays

By Justin Mangan

  

On Sunday afternoon the Detroit Tigers took on the Toronto Blue Jays for the rubber match of the three game set. With both teams possessing a record well over the .500 mark, this series was up for bragging rights. After loosing game one and winning game two, Nate Robertson took the mound seeking to take the finale of the series. By nightfall Robertson earned his sixth victory on the season while beating the Blue Jays 10-5. By winning on Sunday, the Tigers ended their road trip with a 3-3 mark and are now headed back home to Comerica Park to take on the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

  

As it turned out, Tigers’ catcher Ivan Rodriguez’s bat was the story of the day. At the plate he smashed a home run into the stands while compiling for 5 RBI’s. His 5 RBI’s is a seasons high for Pudge, although it is the third time he has reached this mark this season.

  

After finishing with a win on Sunday, their win mark on the season still leads the Major Leagues. The back to back wins came for the first time since May 27th, the day the Tigers eight game winning streak came to an end.

  

After the game, Tiger skipper Jim Leyland said regarding Pudge’s home run, “He had a great at-bat against (Jason) Frasor. That broke it open. We need that because these guys are electric, their offense.”

  

Robertson ended his line by going five plus innings and recording a season high with eight strikeouts against Blue Jay hitters. Through nine innings of Tigers pitching, the staff gave up four home runs. The sluggers included Bengie Molina, Troy Glaus, Lyle Overbay, and Alex Rios. Despite giving up a whopping four shots over the fence they still weren’t enough to beat the Tigers.

  

Five Tiger runs came in the sixth inning which began with a Chris Shelton RBI single. Omar Infante contributed with another run scoring single. A three run base clearing RBI double came off the bat of Pudge while breaking into a massive lead.

  

Another big story of the day was the pitching performance of young flame-thrower Joel Zumaya. While throwing three strong innings of work Zumaya was able to earn his first career save in the Major Leagues. Zumaya topped out on the radar gun while reaching 102 miles per hour.

  

The Tiger’s now look the keep the bats hot and bullpen in check against the Devil Rays. They begin tonight at 7:05 as Scott Kazmir faces Justin Verlander. Both are off to terrific starts and have 7-4 marks on the season.