Game 72: Tigers continue hot streak

The Tigers won their 7th straight game to improve to 41-31 on the year. More than anything, this was a big bounce back game for Galaragga and Ordonez. Galaragga struggled in the first inning and threw a terrible pitch to Jake Fox that eventually resulted in a 3 run Home Run. But, with his spot in the rotation potentially being on the line, Galaragga pitched another 5 innings and only allowed 1 more run. He threw strikes, K'd 5 and only walked 1. Outside of that one pitch, this was a good start for Armando and he has definitely earned another couple starts. It was his first win since April 26.

Another big bounce back game for Ordonez. After a 40-game homer drought, he slugged one to left field (like I mentioned last night, he needs to start pulling the ball more) to put us ahead for good. We need his power and we need him to return to form. Hopefully this is a sign that he is starting to things around.

3 other batters who have to be mentioned: Raburn, Santiago and Cabrera. Raburn went 3 for 4 with 2 RBI's. Cabrera had 2 hits and a HR that was incorrectly ruled a double after the ball hit off the fence above the yellow line at the top of the wall and bounced back into play. Technically, it should have been a 7-5 game. Oh well. And, Santiago was simply sick today. He went 2 for 3 with a HR, and provided at least one Web Gem worthy play at 2B.

Finally, you have to give some props to the bullpen. Again. Seay continues his good season with a very good inning of relief. He has not allowed an earned run in his last 13 appearances. Lyon also was perfect in his one inning of work. But, that has been common lately. He has a 0.60 ERA in June in 11 appearances and 15 innings. Also, Rodney did allow a home run and made things interesting. But, again, he got the job done when it matter. 16 saves in 17 save opportunities and 0 blown saves. He is not an elite closer but he is average to above average. The stability he has provided us this year in the back end of the bullpen cannot be overlooked.

Verlander goes tomorrow against Houston's Wandy Rodriguez (6-6, 3.18 ERA). Like I mentioned in a previous post, it's time Verlander. It should be a good one.