Tiger Geist

Quite an impressive series finishing up Sunday, with Detroit completing a three-game sweep against the Angels.  A quick look at the series:

April 30:  Tigers 10, Angels 6

Very exciting game, though you almost felt Detroit would need all 10 runs to pull this one out.  Big story was the rookies:  Austin Jackson going 5 for 5, Scott Sizemore and Brennan Boesch hitting their career home runs.  Boesch’s home run trot is pure enjoyment.  Gerald Laird also hit his first home run of the season (though this was his only hit of the series, going 1-8).

May 1:  Tigers 3, Angels 2

Johnny Damon had three of Detroit’s seven hits, including the game winning home run, his first as a Tiger (notice a trend?).  Ryan Perry collects his first major league win.  I didn’t catch this game, but Bonderman seemed effective enough, allowing 2 runs on 10 hits over 6 innings.

May 2:  Tigers 5, Angels 1

The Rookies continue to play well, but the story is clearly Justin Verlander.  Over 8 innings of one-run ball.  Austin Jackson, Alex Avila and Scott Sizemore had multiple hits each.  Detroit pulls within a half of a game of Minnesota.  This is the first time Alex Avila caught Verlander, which is a promising sign that gives Jim Leyland more flexibility with his roster.

Quick thoughts:

• This Austin Jackson character can play.
• Its going to be very difficult for Detroit to return Brennan Boesch to Toledo.  He could cool down a bit, but he’s been everything Detroit needed in the five spot.
• Johnny Damon followed two fantastic days at the plate with two awful strikeouts Sunday.
• Ryan Raburn’s defense continues to frustrate me.