This is the 6th time the Tigers have lost seven or more in a row this season. A-Rod was the primary culprit, with a third inning, three run homer that put the Rangers up for good.

The Tigers managed 12 hits, but could only get four across. Things looked promising in the ninth, when Brandon Inge led off with a single (extending his hitting streak to 12 games), and Craig Monroe followed with a single. Alex Sanchez then attempted to bunt everyone over, but sent it straight to the pitcher, Brian Shouse, who made a nice play to get Inge out at third. Shouse then struck out Ben Petrick and Bobby Higginson to finish off the game.

First on Sanchez. You would think that with as many times as this guy bunts, he’d be able to get a guy over. The announcers talked about how the infield was squeezing him, and that he tried to put it down perfectly, but the fact of the matter is, there was poor execution.

Second, on Higginson. Higgy came up with two outs in the bottom of the ninth with two runners on. As early as a couple of years ago in the same situation, you’d know he was going to hit one out, and the Tigers would win. Now, he looks lost out there. Like everyone on the team, he has flashes, and he did have an rbi single earlier in the game, but it’s just one more thing about this team. To his credit, he was down in the count early, and worked it full before striking out.

Ben Petrick had a nice game, going 2 for 4, scoring three times, and hitting a solo homer. Maroth pitched fair, with the one major blemish being the A-Rod homer. ESPN ran a story on whether Maroth should be shelved when he reaches 19 losses, but as I’ve said before, I think that’s just ludicrous.

I’m going to tonights game. I’ve never seen A-Rod play in person, so I’m excited. On top of that, it will probably be the last chance I get to go to the park this year.

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