Tigers Smash Seattle
April 19th, 2009 Posted in 2009 Season, Miguel Cabrera, Ramon Santiago, Rick Porcello, Seattle MarinersGAME SUMMARY:
- Final Score: Tigers 8 Mariners 2
- WP: Rick Porcello (1-1) 7 innings, 5 H, 0 BB, 1 ER, 3 K, 86 pitches
- LP: Carlos Silva (0-2) 5 innings, 6 H, 4 ER, 0 K
- HR: Ronny Cedeno (1)
Rick Porcello earned his first big league victory today and he looked terrific. Porcello could have easily gone eight innings, the way he was cruising, but the Tigers want to limit his pitch count and also need some of their relievers to pitch from time to time. Porcello evened his record at 1-1 and lowered his ERA to 3.75. Porcello retired the last 14 batters he faced. Not bad for a guy born in 1988.
Every single Tiger, with the exception of Matt Treanor, had at least one hit. Ramon Santiago led the way with two hits and five RBI, he’s a regular power-hitter these days. Who knew? I wouldn’t be surprised if he and Adam Everett officially swapped roles here pretty soon, with Santiago becoming the regular.
The Tigers are now two games over the break even point with a record of 7-5. They will have the day off tomorrow as they travel south to play a series with the struggling Los Angeles Angels.
Some positives from today’s game:
- Porcello was the story today. He showed terrific poise for a 20-year-old. The Mariners got to him a bit early as they had baserunners regularly in the first few innings. However, he made his adjustments and looked dominant. He didn’t get a ton of strikeouts, but he he got a lot of easy outs.
- Ramon Santiago now has 11 RBI on the young season. Obviously he won’t keep up this pace for the entire year, but he’s been good at the dish since last season.
- Miguel Cabrera walked and got two more hits. His batting average on the season is now .489.
- Carlos Guillen has had a brutal start to the season. However, Carlos hit a few balls hard today and picked up a couple of hits.
And the bad…
- The bullpen was not great. Ryan Perry set down the first two batters he faced before allowing a couple of hits. Bobby Seay allowed one of those runners to score to make the score 8-2. Brandon Lyon pitched the ninth and while he struck out two batters, he also allowed a pair of hits.
- Matt Treanor just might be the worst offensive player in all of baseball. Treanor went 0-4 with a strikeout and grounded into two doubleplays. Yikes.
4 Responses to “Tigers Smash Seattle”
By Jen on Apr 19, 2009
No offense to Everett, but doesn’t Santiago deserve a shot? Geez DD & Leyland–he’s earned it.
By Kenny on Apr 19, 2009
I hope Treanor doesn’t get a hit all season. He’s a good defensive back up catcher. I think they might keep him all season with a .000 batting average. How would that be for a Aflac trivia question in 10 years?
By Travis on Apr 19, 2009
Even though I like him and pull for him, I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop with Santiago. He can’t keep on hitting for extra bases like this, can he? He hasn’t up to this point in his career. If he can though, then I think Jen is right: he definitely deserves a shot to split time with Everett at the very least.
Nice outing for Porcello to get his first Big League victory. The shaving cream pie that Verlander gave him was priceless. That might be the best and funniest one I’ve seen. Half the kid’s head was covered!
By Blake VandeBunte on Apr 20, 2009
I think the Tigers might keep Treanor if he never gets a hit. He’s kind of emerged as Porcello’s personal catcher. Kind of like how Eddie Perez would always catch for Greg Maddux with the Braves, even though he couldn’t hit at all.
Santiago hit for some pop last year as well. Plus, the Tigers don’t even need him to get for power. If he can lay bunts down and hit .270 with a bunch of singles, he’s a decent SS option.