Okay…so I might have been a little harsh after Robertson’s last outing in suggesting the Tigers might need to consider replacing him in the rotation because he had been struggling. It also looks like he added some velocity to his fastball following that horrible start against Cleveland. This performance was the type of comeback Tigers’ fans wanted to see from him. Nate threw a gem of a game Saturday evening at Safeco to shut out the Mariners over 7 innings. He only allowed two infield base hits and dominated the Seattle hitters. Detroit needed the great effort because once again the offense failed to capitalize on numerous opportunities and only put up two runs. The Tigers had 10 hits but did very little damage with them and got thrown out at the plate on two occasions. Detroit’s offense started quickly in the top of the first. Pudge Rodriguez single with two outs. He scored on a RBI double off the bat of Magglio Ordonez. However, that was the only run the Tigers could manage of Gil Meche who struggled with his control but struck-out seven. Craig Monroe hit a late inning insurance home run in the top of the eighth to complete the scoring.
Going back to the first inning in Oakland on Thursday, the Tigers’ starting pitchers have gone 19 innings without giving up a run. This incredible pitching stretch put in by Bonderman, Maroth and Robertson that has allowed Detroit to win three straight games with little offensive support. Jamie Walker pitched a perfect 8th for a hold and Fernando Rodney earned his fourth save as Todd Jones received the night off.
*** OEs 3 Stars of the Game ***
#3 Jamie Walker – Hold (1), 1 IP, 0 Hs and 1 K
#2 Fernando Rodney – Save (4), 1 IP, 0 Hs and 2 Ks
#1 Nate Robertson – Win (2), 7 IP, 2 Hs, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 Ks, 4.98 ERA
