On several occasions, I’ve stated the Magglio Ordonez will never be worth the money we paid him.  Like a lot of things this season, I’m rethinking things.  Ordonez did his best Kirk Gibson imitation and hit a solo homerun in the sixth inning to tie the game up at 3-3.  Then he hit a huge three run walk off bomb in the ninth inning to win it.

Jeremy Bonderman got into trouble early and gave up two runs in the first and then he gave up a solo shot to Jay Payton in the fourth.  It looked like it might be an early night for Bonderman but he got through those rough spots and pitched very well in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings (getting two outs) before Jamie Walker came in to relieve him.

The other hero of the game was Wil Ledezma.  Jason Grilli got Frank Thomas to ground into a double play in the top of the eighth, but then he proceeded to walk the next three batters (on I think 12 straight balls, I have no way to go back and check.  I need to invest in Tivo).  Ledezma then came in to face Mark Scutaro and he got him to pop up and end the inning.  He then put the A’s down in the ninth and only gave up a single.  He was rewared by being credited with the win.

I was asked who I’d like to see the Tigers play in the World Series and I really don’t care.  The New York Mets are the best team in the National League so it’d be nice to beat the best (and both New York teams no less).  The Tigers and Cardinals do have some history.  They played each other in the 1934 (loss) and 1968 (win) World Series.  Regardless, the NLCS has a long way to go and the Tigers don’t play until next Saturday.  Hopefully Joel Zumaya will be ready and everyone will get some well deserved rest so they can be ready to win it all.

Permalink | Posted in 2006 American League Championship Series (ALCS)