Cleveland 5, Detroit 4

Last night, the Indians won with an 11th inning home run by Casey Blake, but what did it prove? Yes, they are up three games in the standings, the Tigers will be in second place until the end of the series, the Tigers have not beaten Cleveland at Comerica Park this season, and the Indians strike out way too much, but... what has been proved?

I am not entering today's game any more confident than yesterday's. Kenny Rogers, a lefty, brings his 0.75 ERA to the game. The Indians counter with Jake Westbrook (6.01 ERA). It is doubtful either of these pitchers will have a ball called by reason of a delay-of-game charge.

Cleveland's outstanding reliever, Rafael Betancourt (1.19 ERA), had two balls called for delay-of-game during last night's contest. Neither harmed the game's result, but come on. An extra baserunner, another at bat for the next guy? If he is not careful, it will be "All rise, Betancourt is in session" for the standing ovation the Tigers get with the bases loaded.

During the game at Jacobs Field last Tuesday against Oakland, I commented to my mom that Travis Hafner had his foot in the catcher's box behind homeplate. Last night, with Hafner at the dish, Ivan Rodriguez was called for interference, an error for a catcher. Pudge objected, obviously. (It kind of reminded me of the Michigan football coach, he complained so much.) I believe Hafner may have been at fault, however. The next time at the plate, Rodriguez pointed out his foot position and the umpire scolded Hafner. (Why isn't that called a strike?)

Ben Francisco had another home run! He is batting .533 with 7 hits (2 doubles and 3 HRs) in a week. I am hoping for some offensive excitement tonight, too. Watch it on ESPN or Fox Sports Detroit at 7:00 P.m. Happy Birthday, U.S.A.!!