Chad Durbin struck out a career high nine batters tonight as the Tigers shut out the White Sox 6-1. Durbin pitched like a guy who’s job was on the line and he got it done with eight solid innings. He gave up just three hits and he didn’t walk a single batter. Joel Zumaya got into a bit of trouble in the ninth and he gave up two runs with a bunch of walks but Todd Jones came it to get the final batter out to pick up the save.
Placido Polanco and Magglio Ordonez drove in all six Tiger runs with three RBIs a piece. Ordonez finished with three hits and Ivan Rodriguez went three for five with a run. Even Gary Sheffield got the stick going and he singled, doubled and scored two runs.
The Tigers can finish up the series with a two game sweep tomorrow night. Rain is in the forecast so we’ll see if they can get it in. Nate Robertson will take the mound and he’ll face Jose Contreras.
Nice job Durbin, really great to see. I’m sure he can really use the confidence boost. The hitting seems to look better everyday now. People say when Polanco’s on, the team is on. I think it goes for Maggs even more.
Zumaya looked shaky, that’s the one thing about Jones, he never seems to give up the huge inning, or lose control. It’s the one run innings that kill him. I’m guessing Zumaya will be the closer next year at the earliest, and dominate when he does.
--Posted by Ian on April 25th, 2007 at 11:25 pm