Game 9: Exasperation Express Chugs Along

ESPN highlights available here.

The Gist: Tigers lose a slugfest, 12-6, to the Red Sox. Nate Robertson throws 107 pitches in 5.1 innings, gives up four earned runs — but strikes out 6. Go figure. Magglio Ordonez hit his first homer and drove in his first run of 2008.

The Quote: “Showing up every day isn’t enough. There are a lot of guys who show up who shouldn’t have showed up at all.” — James Caan, actor.

The Stats:

• 43: Robertson’s pitch count in the fourth inning alone.
• 22: The number of runners left on base by the Tigers.
• 12: Runners LOB by Detroit’s number-three through six hitters. (Marcus Thames had nearly half that many himself, 5.)

Up Next: Game 10 – Tigers at White Sox. Dontrelle Willis (0-0, 5.40) vs. Gavin Floyd (0-1, 4.50)