Tigers walk it off to even the series, Hamilton out 6-8 weeks

A day after beating one of the toughest pitchers in the American League, the Rangers fell to ... well ... someone not as good as him.  I thought C.J. Wilson would outpitch Brad Penny all day.  It just goes to show everyone has a bad day.  Wilson certainly had one today. He pitched 6.2 innings, allowing four runs on seven hits.  I only listened to the game, but it didn't sound like he had the good stuff today. 

While WIlson's performance wasn't exactly at its peak, the offense didn't do the team any favors either.  They gave up three outs on the basepaths -- Josh Hamilton was thrown out at home on a foul ball, Julio Borbon was picked off first and Adrian Beltre was thrown out at third trying to stretch a double into a triple. Hamilton left the game after that play, by the way, with a strained shoulder.  MRI later revealed he has a small fracture in his upper arm.  He's out for six to eight weeks.  No bueno.

The Tigers and Rangers went into the final frame tied at four. Yorvit Torrealba hit a lead-off single, but one out later, he was doubled off in a hit by Borbon.  In the bottom of the 9th, Ron Washington sent Darren O'Day to the mound.  I guess Neftali Feliz wasn't available because he pitched Sunday and Monday.  O'Day allowed a lead-off single to Brandon Inge, who advanced to second on a sacrifice. The sidearm pitcher then issued a walk, a strikeout and a walk.  The bases were loaded for -- who else -- Miguel Cabrera, the very player Washington intentionally walked on Monday afternoon to get to Victor Martinez.  Cabrera was due for revenge, I suppose, and he got it -- a walk-off single to left field.

The second loss of the year doesn't hurt any less than the first one.  Just thought I should let you know.

 

KISS:  Michael Young had three hits, drove in a run and stole a base.  He and Nelson Cruz had a misunderstanding over a pop up in right field, but I suppose I'll forgive him that.

MISS: Tough call between O'Day and Borbon.  O'Day walked two and gave up the winning run in two-thirds of an inning.  Borbon was picked off and hit into a double play.

 

FINAL SCORE

Rangers :: 4 R, 10 H, 12 LOB

Tigers :: 5 R, 9 H, 15 LOB

 

Wednesday's match-up

@ Detroit, 12:05 p.m. CST

Dave Bush vs. Max Scherzer (2-0, 5.73 ERA)