There’s not too much more to say then that. This wasn’t the Royals, or the Orioles, or the Mariners. Mike Maroth went out in front of nearly 41,000 fans and threw a one hitter against the best team in baseball. It was his first career shutout, and only his second career complete game.

Gary Sheffield got the only hit in the fourth inning. A-Rod walked, but then Maroth got Jason Giambi to ground out.

There were also some fine defensive plays in this one. Brandon Inge made a nice falling catch at the wall in deep centerfield. Eric Munson, Omar Infante, and Carlos Pena also combined on a nice double play.

Kansas City is crushing the Twins, and the White Sox are down 3-1 early against Oakland. If both of those teams lose out, the Tigers will 4 1/2 back.

I actually saw someone today looking for Tiger tickets. I know it’s the Yankees, but it’s been a few years since I saw someone actually soliciting for Tiger tickets, with little luck.

So the Tigers go tomorrow night to see who can take the lead in this series. One advantage of having a crying hungry baby is get you watch a lot of TV (what else can you do when he’s in your arms), so I’ve got to watch a lot of Tiger baseball. And it’s a good time to be a fan.

Permalink | Posted in 2004 Tigers