Detroit Tigers Lose in 9th To Giants 4-3

The Tigers tied the game in the bottom of the 8th off San Francisco closer Bryan Wilson a.k.a. "The Beard" 1-1 when Magglio Ordonez stroked a single to right.  Manager Jim Leyland went to his closer, Jose Valverde to pitch the 9th.  Valverde is 19 for 19 in save situations, but hasn't fared well in non-save situations.  He didn't fare well at all in this one. 

Valverde gave up three hits and two walks, one intentional and one to drive in a run and suddenly the Tigers were behind 4-1.  To their credit, they didn't give up.  Victor Martinez and Jhonny Peralta both singled off Wilson, Ryan Raburn hit into a fielder's choice forcing out Peralta at second.  Alex Avila worked a walk to load the bases.  Brandon Inge then singled to drive in a run.  Wilson was taken out for a lefty to face Andy Dirks, who reached base on an error by the S.F. second baseman scoring the Tigers 3rd run.  Brennan Boesch then hit a line drive that was headed for center field but was speared by the shortstop and turned into a game-ending double play. 

Brad Penny started the game for Detroit, and pitched 7 strong innings but didn't figure in the decision.  Jose Valverde takes the loss in this one, his second of the season.  The loss drops the Tigers into second place in the American League Central, 1/2 game behind Cleveland.

The Tigers and Giants will play again tomorrow night at Comerica Park in Detroit with Max Scherzer trying for his 10th win against San Francisco's Barry Zito.  First pitch at 7:05.