Detroit Tigers: Week 5 Heroes and Zeroes

May 8, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers center fielder Anthony Gose (12) and second baseman Ian Kinsler (3) celebrate Kindler bunts for a single scoring Gose in the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

#5 Hero: Anthony Gose 

We usually like to get the zeroes out of the way first, but this week since we’ve got four zeroes, let’s do the opposite. One of the few players to really give his all this week at the plate and on the bases was Anthony Gose.

Gose was able to raise his season average to .325 after a .412 week. He reached base nine times in 17 at-bats, notching seven hits and stealing two bases. He was key in one of the Detroit Tigers’ two victories last week and it happened quickly.

With the score tied in the bottom of the ninth inning on Friday night, Gose laced the first pitch he saw down the right field line for a double off Yohan Pina. His speed was fully on display when one pitch later Ian Kinsler bunted between the Royals’ pitcher and third baseman. Gose was motoring around third base and when Pina threw the ball past the first baseman, he easily scored with the walk-off bunt/error.

Gose continues to get on base when not a lot of the players behind him can push him along. He distracts the pitcher because of his speed and elusiveness on the base pads.

Simply put, Gose is the type of player that 9 times out of 10, if he reaches first via a hit or walk, you can chalk it up as a double because he’s going and he’s probably going to be safe.

If only the rest of the Tigers’ lineup had his enthusiasm…

Next: In search of Anibal