Currently: - Game info: 7:05 pm EDT Wed Apr 14, 2004
Nate Robertson has already had some success out of the bullpen against the Toronto Blue Jays this season.
This time, however, the Detroit Tigers’ left-hander will try to beat Toronto as a starter when the teams resume a three-game series at Comerica Park.
Robertson pitched four scoreless innings of relief against Toronto for his first career save on April 6. He allowed just one hit and struck out seven as the Tigers went on to win 7-3 at SkyDome—the middle game of their surprising sweep in Toronto to start the season.
Robertson, 26, will be taking the rotation spot of Nate Cornejo, who was suspended last Friday for intentionally hitting Philadelphia’s Ricky Ledee with a pitch during spring training.
The Tigers, who lost an AL-record 119 games last season and started 0-9, have jumped to an early lead in the AL Central, winning five of their first seven games.
But Detroit’s defense collapsed over the final three innings Tuesday night, allowing the Blue Jays to rally for a 7-5 victory, just their second win this season.
“I thought we played a poor ballgame,” Tigers manager Alan Trammell said. “This was a game we felt we should have won, but we gave the other team too many opportunities.”
The Tigers committed three errors, including one by Craig Monroe, whose throw home hit Frank Catalanotto in the face and went into the dugout, allowing an extra run to score.
“Baseball is a funny game,” said Blue Jays manager Carlos Tosca. “It seemed like everything was going against us, and then tonight, a bunch of things happen and we can take advantage of them.”
Kevin Cash was 4-for-4 with three doubles and two RBIs and Eric Hinske homered for Toronto in the second inning. While Terry Adams picked up the win in relief, Sean Douglass came out of the bullpen to pitch three shutout innings
“With my job, I know that we’ll probably be losing when I get in there, and I just have to try to keep them where they are,” Douglass said. “It felt good to be able to do that and contribute to a win.”
Bluebird Banter
Bless You Boys
