There was something in the air last night in Boston. And I don't mean Mike Lowell's home runs. The Red Sox seemed amped for a fight... which is strange considering the Tigers and Red Sox have no rivalry, and the Red Sox have beaten the Tigers in every game this season. Nevertheless, when Porcello threw an inside pitch to Victor Martinez in the 1st, Martinez took a step toward the mound and glared at Porcello. Porcello stared back quizzically, as if thinking "That pitch was almost a strike, dude."
Earlier in the game, the Tigers beat up on first time starter Tazawa to take a 3-0 lead. In the 2nd inning, Miguel Cabrera, who had been hit by a pitch in the 1st, left the game after aggravating the injury (x-rays were negative). Then, in the bottom of the 2nd, Porcello's first pitch sailed high and inside and hit Youkilis. Youkilis instantly charged the mound, threw his helmet at Porcello, and tried to slow-dance/tackle him. Both benches cleared, including Cabrera who had been receiving treatment in the clubhouse. The most heated players were Youkilis and Edwin Jackson who hit Youkilis with a pitch the night before. The umpires decided to throw out both Youkilis and Porcello.
That decision absolutely killed the Tigers. Porcello's replacement, Chris Lambert, gave the lead away faster than you can say "14.85 ERA". Two batters later, the score was 3-3. Meanwhile, Boston replaced Youkilis with 4-time All-star Mike Lowell, who proceeded to homer TWICE and drive Boston to a 6-3 lead. The Tigers did manage to score two more runs, but they suffered from their typical inability to hit in the clutch - overall 2-11 with RISP, missing countless opportunities to sacrifice the runner in from third. Old news.
With that said, the Tigers 5 runs may just have been enough had Porcello stayed in the game. The Tigers desperately needed this game, going against a first-time pitcher in a dangerous ball-park. The Porcello ejection killed their chances, but I can't necessarily blame the umps. What were they supposed to do? Only eject Youkilis? Boston set it up perfectly. With Martinez glaring at Porcello in the 1st inning, it served notice to the umps that Porcello may be trying to hit the Bosox batters. Then when Porcello did hit Youkilis, the umps could eject both players with a clear conscience sensing something deeper was at play. As much as anything, Porcello was a victim of Jackson's rift with Youkilis the night before. So, Youkilis forced the issue. He charged Porcello, physically involving him in the fracas. It was a cunning strategy by Youkilis, worthy of the Romulans.
If I were Leyland, I would use the same strategy against them. Tonight, the Bosox have the distinct advantage with Beckett on the mound. The Tigers should glare at him every time he throws inside. Then, if actually hits a batter (or comes close), the Tiger batter should charge the mound and get Beckett kicked out. It worked against Porcello. The Bosox bullpen is taxed, just like the Tigers. Get Beckett off the mound as quickly as possible.
(ESPN's take on Youkilis/Porcello ejections.)
I totally agree that the Red Sox initiated this incident and the Tigers played right into their hands. If Leyland is as intelligent a manager as some claim he is, he would have talked to his young pitcher before he went back out to the mounnd about keeping his cool and avoiding any bean ball tactics.
ReplyDeleteAs soon as he got tossed, which the umps had to do, you knew that it was game over for the Tigers. I'm surprised that we didn't see the Sox laughing their heads off in their dugout.
The loss is tough, but a more critical result may be the suspensions that will likely follow. The Tigers cannot afford to lose Porcello and/or Cabrera and Jackson which is a very strong possibility since the league will try to make a statement that such incidents will not be tolerated.
In the old days, people got hit and just went off to first base. They would get even by trying to blast one back up the middle the next time they batted. Everyone knew that this was part of the game. If there was a battle, the boys would get in their licks and get back to playing ball w/o fines and suspensions. I guess we have to protect these highly over paid, mediocure athletes.
Too true, Bump.
ReplyDeleteI'm of the belief that Porcello intended to throw an inside fastball. The pitch just got away from him. He seemed genuinely surprised that Youkilis was charging the mound. With that said, Porcello must be responsible with each pitch.
This loss just left a bad taste in my mouth. When the dust settled, the Bosox traded Youkilis for Lowell (ultimately an upgrade), and the Tigers lost Cabrera and Porcello. Massive advantage Boston. Perhaps that's a testament to Bston's depth.
I'd love for the Tigers to even the series, but, with Bosox's hitters and the Tigers' weak pitching, I don't see it happening.