First Pitch 9/30: Doubleheaders, Missed Chances, Madson

Double Headers, Missed Chances, and Ryan Madson headline a Wednesday First Pitch.

Tigers Get the Job Done

The day started and ended with the Tigers having a two game lead over the Twins in the American League Central. Game one was a pitcher’s duel between Nick Blackburn and Rick Porcello, who may have just clinched the American League Rookie of the Year Award with his 6.1 inning, 1 run performance. Blackburn matched the rookie by allowing just one run over 7 innings. The Twins scored two runs in the 10^th inning with Orlando Cabrera singling in Denard Span while Delmon Young hit a sacrifice fly to score Cabrera. Joe Nathan closed out the game (by allowing a Curtis Granderson homerun) to seal the 3-2 Twins victory. Verlander was dominant early, but gutted out a 129 pitch, 8-inning performance for his 18^th win of the season.

Game two was a flip of the script as the Tigers added an insurance run in the 8^th on a Granderson homerun, only to hold onto a 6-5 win. The Tigers just need to split the next two games to essentially wrap up the Central. The Twins will send Carl Pavano with his 4-0 record and 1.80 ERA against the Tigers to face journeyman Eddie Bonine.

Braves Trip Up

The Braves lost a game in the Wild Card and the NL East race with their 5-4 loss to the Marlins. Matt Diaz hit a three run homerun to tie the game in the 6^th inning, but the Marlins came right back to take the lead on a Jorge Cantu single off of Kenshin Kawakami. The Braves have won 15 of 18, but they essentially need to win out while hoping the Rockies falter against the Brewers and this weekend against the Dodgers. With this loss, the Braves will need a perfect six games to close out the season if they hope to overtake the Rockies.

Madson Closes

Ryan Madson picked up his 10^th save of the season as he closed out the Phillies 7-4 win over the Astros. Madson came onto pitch his accustomed 8^th inning, but was left in to close out the game. Philadelphia fans applauded the move and were rewarded for their faith. Brad Lidge was, at one point, warming up, but Charlie Manuel stayed with the better reliever. The idea of using Madson for two innings is a fine idea, but it may not be realistic come playoff time with back-to-back games. It may be time for the Phillies to move a JA Happ or Pedro Martinez to close out games. Because Manuel gave Lidge so much rope, he is left trying to sort out the bullpen before next week’s games.

Did You Know?

Did you know that Derrek Lee is hitting .307/.393/.584 with 35 homeruns, 36 doubles, and 111 RBI?  That may be the quietest monster season of 2009.

No Late Inning Magic

The Mets are having a terrible season, but one stat truly illustrates their ineptitude. They are 4-80 when trailing after 8 innings.

Popularity: 1% [?]