The Indians clinched the American League Central over the weekend and the Yankees magic number is down to two for the Wild Car.  At this point, the Tigers need to win their remaining six games AND have the Yankee lose their remaining seven to win the Wild Card outright.  They can lose or the Yankees can win once if they want a one game playoff but I expect the Tigers to be mathematically eliminated tomorrow.

Not that yesterday’s win wasn’t a solid one.  The Tigers jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning and never looked back.  The four run first was capped off by a two run homer by Marcus Thames, his first of two on the day.  Ryan Raburn also made a nice contribution and he went two for four with a double, two RBIs and two runs. Thames second homer of the day came in the third inning and that brought his season total up to 17.

Justin Verlander won his eighteenth game of the season with a nice outing.  He gave up two runs on five hits and two walks with six strikeouts in six innings.  Bobby Seay and Joel Zumaya combined to throw three innings of shutout relief to close out the game.

The Tigers final home series of the season begins tonight against the Twins.  It’ll be Nate Robertson going up against Matt Garza.  I’m going to the game on Wednesday and I kind of hit the jackpot.  I’ll not only get to see Jair Jurrjens for the first time, but I’ll also get to see Johan Santana.

Permalink | Posted in 2007 Tigers