Angels 5, Tigers 2 (top of the 10th)
(the shirtless gentleman above is a) stalking Jimmy Leyland, b) Todd Jones’ boyfriend, c) looking for directions to the Esham gig, or d) none of the above)
Chone Figgins tripled off Todd Jones to the right center field gap to drive in 3 ; earlier Juan Rivera started the inning by reaching 2nd on Neifi Perez’ errant throw to first. One inning prior, Carlos Guillen threw away what would’ve been the final out of game on Macier Izturis’ grounder. Jones proceeded to allow singles to Orlando Cabrera and Vlad Guerrero to tie the game at 2. Motown’s middle infielder have wasted a tremendous effort by Justin Verlander (7 IP, 4 hits, no runs, 4 walks, 6 K’s)
(UPDATE : Angels 7, Tigers 2. 2-run HR for Cabrera off Zach Outdoor Miner).
While Round Rock alumnus Jason Hirsh had his best outing as a big leaguer (6 IP, 5 hits, 4 K’s, 1 earned run), he was undone by a Craig Biggio error in the 4th inning that allowed Captain Red Ass to score from 2nd on a David Wright grounder. Carlos Beltran came in on Cliff Floyd’s sac fly moments later, with Beltran scoring another run on Hirsh’s wild pitch in the 6th. Floyd, in his first action since his most recent return from the DL, picked up his 2nd RBI of the night when he doubled off Chad Qualls in the 8th, bringing in Wright.
John Maine allowed just 2 hits in 6 and a third innings, both of ’em on solo HR’s (Lance Berkman’s 37th, Mike Lamb’s 11th). The New York Daily News’ Adam Rubin suggests that Maine might be left off the Mets’ playoff roster, and I’m sure that’s great news for all of the New York’s potential playoff foes. To call Maine a revelation would be like saying Billy Wagner exacerbates heartburn. Country Time collected his 34th save, but not before putting the tying runs on base. Maybe he just loves drama. In which case, I would really recommend Wagner skip “Saved” on TNT. Tom Everett Scott was better in “That Thing You Do”.
Carlos Beltran left the game in the 9th after colliding with the fence while tracking down a long drive of Berkman’s. I wish I could say the fence got the worst of it. Wagner doesn’t just owe Belrtan dinner, he might owe him a left knee, too.
The Mets have called up Lastings Milledge, Philip Humber, Brian Bannister, Ricky Ledee, the newly-signed Kelly Stinnett and Mike Pelfrey. As the magic number gets smaller, there goes Jose Offerman’s big chance to spray champagne all over Chris Cotter.