John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
What’s cooler than Justin Verlander getting his fire back? Nothing, duh. Okay, maybe I exaggerated just a tad, but seeing Verlander get back to business, shutting out the Toronto Blue Jays in seven strong innings on the Fourth of July, is awesome.
The Detroit Tigers beat up on the Blue Jays in Toronto, taking three of four from the Canada-based team. Why do I mention where the Blue Jays are from? Well, if you don’t recall, three days ago, the Blue Jays took it to the Tigers 8-3 on Canada Day. Three days later, Toronto did the noble thing and let the Tigers win on their day — Independence Day.
Okay, so the Jays didn’t exactly let the Tigers win, but they did look to roll over when the going got rough. Detroit racked up an 11-0 lead up until the Jays got a measly run in the bottom of the ninth inning.
What was so impressive about this 11-1 blowout was the fact that Detroit did it without their superstar, Miguel Cabrera.
No Cabrera, no problem. The Tigers racked up 16 hits and dominated the Jays throughout, showing that they are more than just the 30-year-old Venezuelan slugger. Cabrera is out with a sore back and is listed as day-to-day, but could appear whenever he feels ready. When you hit the ball as hard as he does, you’re bound to hurt your back some time.
Well, looks like the Tigers were serious about taking back first place as they find themselves 1.5 games up on the pesky Cleveland Indians.
Looks like this team is pretty formidable even without the Triple Crown winner.
Connor Muldowney is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
