51-44, 1st place, .5 games up.
On July 21, 2011, Justin Verlander threw 8 innings, allowing 1 ER and 5 hits to beat the Twins as the Tigers took over sole possession of 1st place; a position they never relinquished. Exactly 1 year later, Rick Porcello threw 8 innings, allowing 1 ER and 5 hits to beat the Chicago White Sox and the Tigers have now taken over sole possession of 1st place.
Apparently, someone read the memo. Porcello was dazzling. He had only allowed three hits through the first 8 innings - on 94 pitches. He was pulled after 2 singles in the 9th. Jackson came up huge with 4 RBI and Boesch tagged Sale with Sale’s first HR allowed to a lefty all season. All Tiger runs were scored with 2 outs, making that 11 runs in a row with 2 outs, and 35 out of 48 since the break scored in that fashion.
Though the White Sox have had trouble scoring runs as of late (2 runs or less in 6 out of their last 7), Jacob Turner has had problems not giving them up, so something may give today. Philip Humber has been one of the worst starters in the AL this year, and that includes a perfect game on April 21st against Sea. I’m hoping that we can score a few runs early to get Turner some confidence, and then turn it over to a well rested pen (other than Phil Coke) in the 4th or 5th. The top of the 1st will be key.
Latest Trade Rumors:
- The White Sox added Astros closer Brett Myers just hours before Saturday’s game.
- The Tigers had scouts watching James Shields‘ last start.
- Carlos Quentin looks to be close to signing a 3 year extension in San Diego; though Berry and Boesch have waned the Quentin rumors over the last few weeks (remember that Dirks is back in a few weeks as well).
- The Tigers have asked Seattle about lefty Jason Vargas, reports the Boston Globe.
- A Stephen Drew for Peralta deal looks to be a “long shot” according to sources quoted by Jack Magruder
- Still interested in Dempster, tweets Morosi.
I think that something will be done this week, even if it’s just getting Omar Infante back. Though I expect it to be more. I think that Mr. Illitch is committed to winning it all in the very near future, and has instructed DD to do what’s necessary to accomplish that.
Today’s Series Sweeping Lineup (coming soon):
Original Story:
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July 21, 2012
