Dontrelle Willis got his first win since Sept. 25, 2007 as the Tigers beat Texas 4-0. Willis went 6.1 innings and gave up 1 hit, 2 walks and struck out 5 to get his first victory for Detroit. Four relievers tossed hitless ball from there as the Tigs continued their mastery of the Rangers.
Willis' performance was solid; he retired 17 in a row at one point. On the surface, it seemed Texas might be a bad matchup because the Rangers entered averaging 5.65 runs/game, the second best in the AL, and topped the league in homers. But Texas was 13th in walks and 3rd in strikeouts, so their weaknesses were perfect for the heretofore erratic Willis.
That being said, Texas hit better against lefties this year, so it was nice to see Willis in command. Willis threw 101 pitches, 61 strikes.
It would be foolish to declare Willis back, but it is nice to be able to even have reason to consider it.
Detroit has 6 shutouts this season. The Tigers are 17-0 when allowing 3 or fewer runs. All other MLB teams are an average of 11-3 when giving up 3 or fewer runs.
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