Victor Martinez Extends Hitting Streak, Tigers Defeat Rangers 7-2

July 11, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers left fielder Matt Tuiasosopo (18) receives congratulations from designated hitter Victor Martinez (41) after he hits a two run home run in the second inning against the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Tigers scored early and often putting up 5 runs in the first inning and 2 more in the 2nd and jumped out to a 7 run lead. Doug Fister had a terrific bounce back outing throwing six strong innings and only while only giving up 2 runs. The bullpen took care of the rest holding the Texas Rangers scoreless for three innings to give the Tigers a 7-2 victory in the series opener.

Respect The Streak

Victor Martinez is hitting his stride.  He was a key players again tonight and is swinging the bat very well. Martinez went 1 for 3 with two ribbies extending his hitting streak to 13 games and raising his average to .261. Since July first the Tigers DH has hit .468 with an OPS of 1.116. Martinez is a lifetime .300 hitter and he is starting to look like the hitter that raked over 100 RBI in the 2011 season.

Rondon Isn’t Done

Just when you thought Bruce Rondon couldn’t cut it in the show he turns in a 1-2-3 7th inning against the potent Texas Rangers line-up.  Rondon went an inning and a third and struck out 2 batters.  He regularly hit 99 MPH on the gun and is using his slider nicely to keep hitter off-balance. If Rondon can start to get guys out on a regular basis he will fill a huge hole for the Tigers in the 7th inning.

Leyland Is Getting Cranky

Before the game Leyland addressed the media and explained why he did not do his usual post game interview after yesterdays debacle against the White Sox.

Leyland was thrown out after arguing with the umpires about the ejection of Reliever Luke Putkonen. Putkonen was ejected after throwing behind Alexi Ramirez in retaliation for a high and tight pitch on Prince Fielder earlier in the game.

Leyland was angry with some members of the media who took him to task for skipping out on the post game pow-wow.

"“I’m very upset at some people in this room because I think I was very disrespected,” he said. “I’ve been here morning, noon and night for eight years for you guys. In the morning, noon, night, winter, summer, spring — never not returned a call or anything — and for people to take shots at me because …The only thing that could have happened yesterday would have been bad,” he said. “There was no need to speak to anybody here yesterday.”"

Hopefully Jim Leylands fire will translate to wins and take the Tigers into the All-Star break on a winning streak.

On Tap

The Tigers will continue the weekend series tomorrow as Max Scherzer tries once again for his 14th. It is a nationally televised game tomorrow and you can catch it on Fox’s Baseball Night in America.