Game 24 Recap: Rodney Shuts the Door, Indians held to three hits

Justin Verlander might have struck out eleven, but that wasn’t the most impressive part of his Seven Inning two hit start against the Clevland Indians. It was the fact that he was finally able to get out of a jam. With the bases loaded in the seventh, after an intentional walk to David Dellucchi, Verlander shut down the bottom of the order to leave the Indians on the reservation.

Verlander, who had a no hitter through five innings, has now had back to back solid starts. The Tigers offense was propelled by Brandon Inge’s eighth home run of the season. Curtis Granderson hit the go ahead double to give the Tigers the lead for good.

Fernando Rodney remained perfect in the ninth inning, compiling his sixth save of the season. The Tigers took two out of three from the division rival Cleveland Indians.

Stats–

BASERUNNING
SB: Everett (1, 2nd base off Lee/Shoppach).

Impressions–

Justin Verlander, SP- Verlander looked lights out yet again. It was a sigh of relief to actually see him get of a jam. The game started shaky with Verlander working a deep count on Indians leadoff man Grady Sizemore. Verlander fought back and instead of forcing a fastball, he depended on pitch location. His confidence in the seventh as well was a breath of fresh air. There is no doubt about it, Justin Verlander is the key to this rotation. See him deliver in two straight starts is very promising.

Fernando Rodney, CL- There has been a lot of talk that no matter how well Rodney does, his job will eventually go to Mr. Zoom Zoom. I’m really starting to think just the opposite. Rodney has converted most of his saves pretty darn cleanly, and he has nearly just as much confidence in himself as he did in the 2006 season. In today’s game Rodney’s fastball maxed out at 98 MPH, while pulling the strings with his 84 mph change. Rodney was able to control hitters as well, which is a key for his success. I like what i’m seeing so far in closer situations.

Brandon Inge, 3B- What a weekend for the kid at the hot corner. For those neysayers out there, this weekend is the reason why I love Inge on this ballclub. He makes game changing catches, swings the bat well, and gives his best to help his man on the mound out.

Upcoming 5/4–

TV: FS-D HD
RADIO: WXYT 1270

Comerica Park
7:05PM EDT

The Tigers take on the Minnesota Twins in a two game series at Comerica Park. Monday’s action gets underway at 7:05 PM ET. Francisco Liriano (0-4 6.05) will take on Edwin Jackson (1-1 2.25). Jackson was excellent in his six innings of work against the Yankees in his last start.