After a lackluster performance from the Tigers in game one following a week layoff, the team finally found their true form and earned a win in game two of the World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals. The game wasn't without its moments of suspence or controversy, however. Kenny Rogers pitched another gem, going eight innings and allowing only two hits and no earned runs. So far in the 2006 playoffs for Kenny, he has a 0.00 ERA and has gone 23+ innings without earning a run. It is one of the greatest playoff performances from a pitcher of all time. However, I have a bad feeling that Kenny's achievements during this season's playoffs will be tarnished forever because of the substance on the palm of his pitching hand; discovered during the first inning of game two. It was brought to everyone's attention by FOX analyst Tim McCarver who pointed out the brownish-looking smear resembling pinetar. It was rather noticable in the first inning, but had virtually vanished in the second. Kenny was ordered to wash his hands off between the first and second innings, otherwise St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony LaRusa would've no doubt pursued the issue further and might've gotten Kenny ejected from the game. It must be noted that without the substance on his hand from the second inning on, Kenny still pitched an amazing game. So with or without it, it was still the same Kenny Rogers that stimied the opponents bats this postseason.
Unfortunately, several key Tiger players have strugged so far in the World Series. Placido Polanco, the Tigers MVP during the ALCS, has not been able to make any key hits thus far. Curtis Granderson has done the same, even striking out frequently like he had done during the regular season. And Pudge Rodriguez ... what can you say? He's struggled the whole playoffs! Just two hits during the entire ALCS and no hits thus far in the World Series. One of these games he's going to break out of his slump and hopefully sooner rather than later. However, you want Pudge out there behind the plate, even if he's struggling at the plate. In game two, you saw some bright spots in Craig Monroe, who hit ANOTHER homerun. So far, Carlos Guillen has been the MVP for the Tigers in the World Series, just a homerun short of the single in game two. Even Sean Casey, who missed most of the ALCS because of a torn calf muscle, helped deliever a key hit in game two that brought home the third and final run for the Tigers. Final score: Tigers 3, Cardinals 1.
Oh, I can't forget about Todd Jones' less-than-stellar pitching in the ninth inning for the Tigers. After getting two key outs, he ended up allowing one run to come home, causing a key error after not fielding an infield hit, and loading the bases that potentially could've ended up losing the game for the Tigers. However, he finally ended up getting the final out and ending any thoughts of a comeback by the Cardinals. It was definitely one of them heart-racing, nerve-wracking moments that you never want to see. Honestly, I was like "oh no, here we go losing game two!" But thankfully, that did not happen. I don't know why it always happens to Todd Jones, but he's definitely earned his nickname "the rollercoaster" after two such performances in the playoffs. Actually, I was quite surprised Kenny did not finish the game after the way he had been pitching. I think Jim Leyland may have realized afterwards that it might've been better that he did!
Game three heads to St. Louis tonight where Tigers lefty Nate Robertson faces off against the Cardinals' ace Chris Carpenter. From what I have heard, Carpenter has had an excellent playoffs and the Tigers had better be ready to face him. Robertson has done reasonably well in the playoffs, although he has the highest ERA of all the Tigers' pitchers. He is a lefty, which should help against the Cards,' who have struggled against left-handed pitching during the regular season. As long as they pitch around Pujols and the rest of the Tigers' defense stays on its toes, the Tigers should earn another win and have a lead of 2-1 in the series. However, the Tigers need some of their key bats to come alive (as mentioned earlier in this blog). Otherwise this series may go to seven games. I figure if the Tigers have come this far, they might as well win it all.
GO TIGERS!
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