Tigers won again tonight, 2-1. Verlander had another great game. Before a home run was hit tonight he went 23 consecutive innings with no runs scored on him. That means one way to consider that stat is that with the help of a bit of offense he won two and a half games for the Tigers in the playoffs. Tigers pitching set an MLB record, which ended after the home run on Verlander, for most consecutive innings in the playoffs with no earned runs, at 37 and a half I believe the announcer said.
Jim pulled Verlander because his pitch count was around I think 130 pitches. Phil Coke went in as relief despite being in the bullpen and not closing games all year long. Phil did very well, though after the second out in the top of the 9th, the Yankees, who can never be counted out of a game, hit two consecutive singles to put men on first and second. Ibanez, who has already hit two game-tying hits and 2 game winning home runs this playoffs, was up to bat next. Phil Coke fell behind 3-1, then had some pitches against Ibanez due to foul balls, but finally he threw a GREAT slider and Ibanez swung above and past it to end the game, which had me worried before that pitch. I believe every Tiger fan watching the game, at home or at the game or elsewhere all spontaneously did some kind of victory movement at once in celebration, because to have the Yankees down 3-0 in the playoffs isn't something that happens to your team very often no matter who you are.
Delmon Young hit another home run to extend his franchise record in playoff homeruns, which my dad was very happy to know. Delmon is having a great playoffs this year and I hope it continues. Cabrera hit a double scoring a run for the other Tiger point, scoring the speedy, determined, talented and enthusiastic Quentin Berry, who also made the best commercial aimed at other teams I saw all year which along with the above adjectives made him a fan favorite in Detroit this year.
Game 4 is tomorrow. Tigers are currently one win away from the World Series while the Yankees are four away. Cici Sabathia starts for the Yankees tomorrow, and Max Scherzer for the Tigers, both excellent pitchers.
Now it's time to wind down and watch Conan O'brien, who just came on after the game. Excellent lineup choice by the network, picking a show I won't want to turn unless Adult Swim is showing something I haven't seen yet.