The Tigers play Florida Southern right now.  The game never makes the radio, it never counts, yet it’s become such a tradition that I’m always intriuged at how the Tigers do.  Anyway, I’ll follow along and give you mini updates through 2 pm, when I have to leave.  Al Kaline’s grandson, Colin, is getting the start at third base for Florida Southern.

Top of the First

Edwin Jackson gave up a double to Wade Kirkland (any relation to Kody) but got out of the inning unscathed.  He struck out the leadoff hitter, Trae Gore.

Bottom of the first

Tigers didn’t get anything.  Cale Iorg led off with a pop out to second, Marcus Thames flew out to centerfield and then Casper Wells flew out to right.

Top of the second

Listening to the Yankees game while I follow the Tigers.  Yanks scored a run already against the Astros (think Mike Hampton is throwing for Houston).  Anyway, Edwin Jackson gave up a lead off single to catcher Zach Maggard.  Andrew Grutka flew out to center and then Edwin Jackson struck out Will Cherry for his second k of the game.  Maggard moved to second on a wild pitch (Yankees lit up Hampton for three in the first inning) and then Jordan Guida flew out to center so for the second straight inning, Jackson got out of the inning with a runner in scoring position.

Bottom of the second

Mike Hessman (three true outcomes) struck out to lead off the second for the Tigers.  Jeff Larish drew a walk and then Wilkin Ramirez flew out to right.  Alexis Gomez singled with two outs and Larish moved to second base before Wil Rhymes singled to load the bases up.  Finally, Jeff Kunkel flew out to left to strand three ducks.

Top of the Third

I had to confirm but Colin Kaline (a Birmingham Groves graduate) was the Tigers 25th round pick in the 2007 draft.  He drew a walk to lead off the third and then Gore struck out for the second time tonight.  Kirkland doubled for the second time today and that put runners at second and third.  Robbie Shields struck out to make it two outs (three strikeouts for Jackson) and then Stanley grounded out to end the inning.   Rough inning by Jackson, but he pitched out of the jam.  I’ll be leaving soon, and he’s probably done for the day.

Bottom of the third

Cale Iorg sturck out to lead things off then and Marcus Thames drew a walk.  Casper Wells walked and then Mike Hessman singled to drive in the first run of the game.  Jeff Larish then opened things up with a three run blast.  Wilkin Ramirez singled and Alexis Gomez popped out.

With that, I have to leave.  Have a great afternoon for those of you who tagged along.

***UPDATE***

The Tigers ended up with a 7-1 win.  Joel Zumaya looked strong in his single inning while Will Rhymes added a two run homer for the Tigers in the Tigers big third inning.

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