The Tigers are less then two weeks into their schedule and already, their pitching staff has two shutouts.  Last night, it was Edwin Jackson, with some help from the pen, that helped pitch the Tigers to a 2-0 win.  Jackson got into trouble in the first (double, then a stolen base put a runner at third with one out) before getting out of that jam and after that, he cruised along until the eighth when he put two runners on.  Bobby Seay did his job by getting Ichiro out then Fernando Rodney got through the ninth (he gave up a leadoff walk which is kind of signature for him) for the win.  Jackson gave up five hits and a walk with six strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings.  For Rodney, it was his third save of the season.

Ichiro had a rough night.  He went 0 for 4 with two strikeouts, and his throwing error on Brandon Inge’s single allowed a second runner to score.  Curtis Granderson showed some signs of life with a single and two walks and Brandon Inge went two for four with an RBI and both Tiger runs were pushed across on one of those singles.

The rubber game is later this afternoon.  Rick Porcello will make his second start and the Mariners will have Carlos Silva throwing. 

I know it’s early, but what a strange start to the season.  The Florida Marlins, at 10-1, have the best record in baseball and the Blue Jays, Mariners and Royals lead their respective divisions.  And with two games seperating just first and fourth in the Central, a good or bad week can really make a difference.

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