Strange one, snarfs.
Started 4-0 Detroit in the first inninng, and we slowly but surely allowed those four to erode all the way to a Cleveland tie.
The Tigers literally lasted an entire game’s worth of innings inbetween runs – but the outcome was magnificent.
In 11 innings, Detroit won 11-4. All seven runs were scored in the top of the 11th. I guess if I had just witnessed Joba Chamberlain and Phil Coke pitch, I’d be on fire, too.
Chamberlain entered the 8th and took care of business, straight up. Four batters, four outs. “The bearded horseman.”
“Fireman” Phil relieved Chamberlain, storming as usual to take the mound. Coke finished that ninth, then all the way through the tenth, too. Coke is a one man goddamn wrecking ball, blowing past opposing hitters who dare swing. He struck out the final Indian.
Fuck yeah. Inspired – I know I am after remembering all that – Detroit loaded the bases for Eugenio Suarez with just one out. The rookie took one in, gathered himself, then delivered a line drive down the left field line, scoring two. Detroit wasn’t done. Stepping up to the plate: Victor Martinez. Making the opposing pitcher work (V’s specialty), Martinez drove one once again into the bleachers, putting us up five. Damn. Surreal stuff my dad and I have witnessed together these past few Tigers seasons.
To finish the Tribe off, Detroit put runners back on second and third with still the one out. Andrew Romine pitched in (luckily not on the mound this time for the poor fella) with a bases clearing double. That would be enough run support for Jim Johnson.
Johnson concluded the series with a strikeout, a spectacular diving catch in left field by Rajai Daivs, then one final strikeout swinging.
…….. strange game to see Tigers open up….close and open up again…….and Coke…. the man….the fireman who puts out the fire and rally’s the troops… who else comes onto the field with such a red ass?…..just who the Tigers need out front leading the charge.