Tigers (finally) Beat Twins – Magic Number At 11

September 20th, 2009 | by jelletlambie |

On the heels of two agonizing losses to the host Minnesota Twins, the Tigers rallied behind Nate Robertson this afternoon to bid farewell to the Metrodome with a win. Little did we know some weeks back that it would be Nate, and not newly Acquired Jarrod Washburn who would turn out to be the stopper for this team in a critical stretch. Since rejoining the rotation back on August 29th Nate has lowered his ERA from 7.71 to 5.13 and helped the Tigers win two of his four starts. The offense emerged from it’s slumber to post six runs against six Twins hurlers. Scott Baker (13-9) took the loss for the Twinkies, surrendering four earned runs in 4.2 innings. He allowed eight hits and one walk while striking out five. Nate went five innings, holding the Twins to five hits and three walks while fanning six. He was responsible for the two runs Minnesota posted in the contest.

The win lowered the Tigers Magic Number to 11 and pushed their lead over the Twins in the AL Central back to three games. I’ve added a Tigers Magic Number Widget to the front page of the site, which updates in real time, so you can check back anytime for the current number. It certainly seems the remaining four games between these two teams (starting 9/28 @ the COPA) will go a long way to decide the division winner. Fortunately it seems the Tigers will never again have to travel to the abomination better known as the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, as outdoor Target Field is set to open next spring. The biggest home field advantage in baseball has treated the Tigers about as well as a baby treats a diaper over the years, good riddance to that foul and pestilent place.

After an off day tomorrow the Tigers will travel to Cleveland for a three game set with the Indians before closing out the final road trip of the year with three games in Chicago. Edwin Jackson (12-7, 3.36 ERA) will start Tuesday night for the Tigers, and hopefully it will be the Edwin Jackson of early this season wearing his jersey. Of late Jackson has been less than impressive, allowing four earned runs or more in four of his last five starts. He’s coughed up five home runs in his last 20 innings pitched, which could be a problem in Progressive Field facing the free swinging, power hungry Indians.

The Tigers will look to hold their lead over the Twins, who will travel to Chicago to take on the White Sox for three games starting tomorrow night.

I spent part of tonight talking Tigers baseball with Joe Dexter of Motor City Bengals, Ian Casselberry of Bless You Boys and Greg Eno of Where Have You Gone Johnny Grubb for the latest installment of This Week In Detroit Tigers Baseball – I’ll post the link once the Podcast is up. Thanks to Joe again for the invite, and to Greg and Ian for the conversation, as always.

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