Three at last

A bona fide win streak! Detroit's bats kept thumping last night and (more importantly, I think) Armando Galarraga, subbing for Dontrelle Willis, delivered a great start (6-2/3 IP, 1 H, 0 BB, 6 K). His effort was only the second quality start for the Tigs so far this season.

Hard to believe Detroit went from back-to-back shutouts to 30 runs in 3 games. The Tigers are 5-2 when scoring 5 runs or more. They are 0-8 when scoring 4 runs or less.

Nine of Detroit's first 12 HR were solo. Last night, not so. Edgar Renteria went salami and Miguel Cabrera had a 2-run jack.

I think the Tigs missed Curtis Granderson more than expected. So far, the production from the leadoff spot is the worst in the AL (.234/.275/.281 with 2 R). Consequently, perhaps, Placido Polanco has struggled in the No. 2 spot, which also has the worst production in the AL. Those weaknesses make any slumps more pronounced -- especially when almost the entire team is slumping at the same time.

Entering this 2-game series against Cleveland, I was thinking split. Now I'm in sweep mode. The Indians are down and Detroit needs to take advantage, just like teams did against them. Let's make it 4 in a row.