Dontrelle Willis and Nate Robertson were once again joined up in a spring game and unlike previous games where both struggled, at least this afternoon the Tigers got some quality innings out of one of the two. Dontrelle Willis got the start and he was the one who got shelled. He gave up three in the first then one in the second before finally getting out of an inning unscathed in the third. Nate Robertson then threw three innings of one hit shutout baseball and he was matched by Eddie Bonine who three shutout innings himself as the Tigers got back into the game.
Speaking of Bonine, he’s quietly put together a solid spring. He’ll still probably start the season with the Hens, but that’ll give Toledo a solid starting pitching option in the early months.
In the meantime, the Rick Porcello train has been at least slowed down. He’ll miss his start tomorrow because he cyt the nail on the index finger of his throwing hand. In his place, Alfredo Figaro will get the nod.
Gerald Laird and Mike Hessman both went yard in the Tigers win. Timo Perez doubled twice and drove in a run while Alexis Gomez went two for three with a run and an RBI. A lot of the damage by the Tigers came off of Jays hurler Mike Maroth.
The Tigers and Nationals square off and the game is on the radio. Monday, I’ve pretty much planned my day around the Tigers first televised game when they take on St. Louis.Â
The US is getting knocked around although they finally put their first run on the board. They still have a tough task being down 6-1 to Puerto Rico though.