In Verlander and Zumaya we trust! Verlander pitched well to earn his fourth win of his rookie season and end the Tigers losing streak. Joel Zumaya equally impressive pitched out of a jam with poise to earn his ninth hold. Verlander pitched into the seventh before loading the bases and giving way to Zumaya. Joel paved the way to the ninth inning where Todd Jones bounced back to get his seventh save on the year. Detroit’s offense started with a couple runs in the first on a RBI double by the hot-hitting Magglio and a RBI single by Carlos Guillen. The game remained close at 2-1 until the Tigers exploded in the seventh for four runs. Brandon Inge supplied the big hit a three-run homer his eighth on the year. Granderson followed with his sixth home run on the year to extend the lead to 6-1. The run support was plenty for the Tigers young pitchers who once again got the job done.
You really can’t say enough for the job the rookie pitchers are doing for the Tigers. Both Verlander and Zumaya pitch with a poise way beyond their years and experience level. I think Verlander is making a strong case for rookie of the year. Zumaya is in the same category, but I think the fact Verlander is a starter will give him a chance to put up more impressive numbers over the course of the season. This is the first time I can remember in my lifetime where the Tigers rookies are living up to and exceeding expectations.
*** OEs 3 Stars of the Game ***
#3 Brandon Inge – 1-4 with a run scored, HR and 3 RBI
#2 Joel Zumaya – Hold (9), 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 Rs, 1 BB, 2 Ks, 2.45 ERA
#1 Justin Verlander – Win (4), 6.1 IP, 7 Hs, 3 Rs, 3 BBs, 4 Ks, 3.77 ERA
