Game 6 Recap

New York Yankees 7, Detroit Tigers 0

WP: C.C. Sabathia (1-1, 3.00 ERA) LP: Justin Verlander (1-1, 2.19 ERA)

Summary:

     There was not a whole lot of good going on in this game and for the 5th time in 6 games, my prediction was wrong.  C.C. Sabathia was brilliant from the start, although wild. His wildness was effective as the Tigers couldn't pick up on any pattern that Sabathia was using this afternoon. Justin Verlander got hit hard early before settling in and completing seven and a third strong innings. The three early runs he gave up, especially the two on a home run from Jayson Nix, did the Tigers in as they couldn't muster anything off of Sabathia. 

     The lone bright spot for the Tigers was Matt Tuiasosopo who collected two hits in three at bats and walked once. Outside of him, no one was really in form as the Tigers only mustered 8 singles and no extra base hits on the day. 

     The bullpen was also not very sound today as Phil Coke continued his poor start to the season allowing 2 runs in two-thirds of an inning and Octavio Dotel surrendered two in the ninth which put the game completely out of reach. Coke didn't even look comfortable against the right handers and wasn't finishing his pitches yet again today. He will likely work in the bullpen with Jeff Jones on that during their game off tomorrow. Dotel just didn't have it today, and the game was likely out of reach when he entered anyways. There is nothing to indicate Tigers fans should worry about Dotel at all moving forward.

     Also of note was Mariano Rivera closing the game out for the Yankees. Barring a post season series versus the Yankees, this weekend was the last time Rivera would grace Detroit fans with his presence. The Tigers don't play the Yankees at home any more this year and won't see them again till August when they will look like a much different team.

Earned their Stripes:

• Justin Verlander: Although he had a rocky start, he did pitch into the eighth inning and allow the bullpen a little bit of rest heading into the off day which will help immensely against the Blue Jay juggernaut offense.
• Matt Tuiasosopo: A solid day at the plate going 2-3 with a walk, only guy who put together consistent solid at bats for the Tigers this afternoon
• Alex Avila: Because hey, why not! He had a child this morning and had no role in the blow out.

Declawed:

• Phil Coke: 1 good appearance, 2 awful ones so far from Coke. He needs to get lefties out. Today he didn't get anyone out right or left handed. 
• Octavio Dotel: Just didn't seem to have any intensity or focus. Worked from behind to every hitter in the inning. Not a good showing today from Dotel
• Miguel Cabrera: A tough 0-4 day for the big fella, and he falls into this category because of the expectations he's created for himself. His approach today at the plate wasn't terribly sound after a 4-4 day at the dish on Saturday. He needs to get more amped up to play ball.

Looking Ahead:

     The Tigers have a much needed off day tomorrow while traveling to Toronto to take on a Blue Jays team in a mid week series. Fans won't really recognize many Blue Jays from last year's squad as they have made massive lineup improvements in Toronto. This series will feature two of the better teams in the American League so look forward to good baseball to make this work week a little easier to get through.