The Bench

Wow! The Tigers won a huge game against one of the American League's top hurlers tonight. Johan Santana was outdueled by Tigers rookie Justin Verlander at Comerica Park. Verlander pitched eight shut-out innings and Todd Jones (The Jonesey Roller Coaster) pitched the final inning (allowing only two runners) for his eleventh save.

Vance Wilson, the reserve catcher who has been getting a lot of playing time lately, slugged a two-run homer into the seats in left field for the first two runs of the game. Tonight's shut-out was the Tigers' MLB-leading seventh. The pitching continues to be impressive. Remember, Verlander and Zumaya are both rookies who are pitching out-of-this- world.

The other night Zumaya actually came in with a tight situation and got the team out of it. He's like a true "closer-type" reliever who relies on serious pressure. It's actually nice to see. Interestingly, he throws hard and is intimidating, just like the guy who he shares a jersey number with. Richard "Goose" Gossage is forever remembered in the hearts of Tiger fans: he threw the pitch that Gibby hit into the upper deck to almost clinch the '84 series. In the '81 Series with the Yankees, he hit Ron Cey in the helmet (one of those old time no-earflap helmets) that looked like it would kill him. The guy threw hard ... and so does our rookie!

Another great win ... close game ... it sure is shaping up to be a fun summer at the ballpark!

Go Tigers!