Sheff Finally Serving Up Hits

The Tigers completed their sweep of the Baltimore Orioles this afternoon, winning 3-2 thanks to solid performances from Gary Sheffield (4-4, HR) and Nate Robertson (6.2 IP, 2 ER). Craig Monroe broke a 2-2 tie in the 6th with a solo home run, his second in as many days, to give the Tigers the victory. The Tigers are now on a season-high 4 game winning streak, and have a good chance of extending it in their upcoming series with the Kansas City Royals (8-19).

After accumulating a dismal .119 batting average over the first 17 games of the season, Sheffield has hit .412 since April 23, including 2 home runs in the last 3 games. Jim Leyland's magic touch may have struck again, as he gave Sheffield the day off during the April 22 game against the White Sox, and Sheff has been on a tear since.

Another Tiger looking up after a poor start to the 2007 season is Fernando Rodney, who pitched a scoreless 8th inning today. He has only allowed 1 run in his last 6.1 innings pitched, and has lowered his ERA to 5.14. Considering it stood at 7.88 a mere week ago, Rodney is clearly headed in the right direction. He is finally locating his fastball, allowing him to use that pitch to set up his nasty changeup.

Robertson improved his record to 3-1. His 2.48 ERA stands 5th in the AL. The Tigers have a day off tomorrow before going on the road against Kansas City Friday at 8:10 pm.