Detroit Tigers Come Back To Win Big On Sparky’s Day

Before today's game, the Detroit Tigers retired former manager Sparky Anderson's uniform number.  It was a moving ceremony, with most of the 84 Tigers (Detroit's last championship) in attendance.  The ball game was well-pitched until the late innings.  Starter Brad Penny gave up two runs in the 7th and left the game behind 2-1.  Arizona starter Joe Saunders made it through 7 giving up only a solo homer to Jhonny Peralta. 

The Tigers must have been glad to see Saunders leave the game.  In the 8th inning, Austin Jackson struck out to make the second out in the inning.  The Tigers then proceeded to put together a two-out rally and scored seven times before Jackson struck out again to make the third out of the inning.  Al Alburquerque picked up the win with a little over an inning of work (he's 5-1).  Final score:  Tigers 8, Diamondbacks 3.

The Tigers hang on to at least a share of first place in the American League Central division, pending the outcome of tonight's game between Cleveland and San Francisco.

Detroit will play a make-up game tomorrow night against the Toronoto Blue Jays at Comerica park.  Max Scherzer will get the start in a special 6 pm gametime.