Pirates' rally falls short
PITTSBURGH — The Detroit Tigers did everything they could to give away a game they already had won. The Pittsburgh Pirates almost figured out how to win a game that seemed lost.
But when it came down to a ground ball that deflected off pitcher Todd Jones' glove, with the winner determined by which way it bounced, the Tigers showed why they have the majors' best record.
Chris Shelton hit one of Detroit's two tape-measure home runs against the team that gave him away and the Tigers bounced back from one of their few ugly losses this season, holding on to beat the Pirates 9-8 Sunday.
"We were this close," Pirates manager Jim Tracy said, holding two fingers about an inch apart. "This close."
Shelton, Carlos Guillen and Craig Monroe drove in two runs each to help the Tigers open a 9-2 lead.
The Pirates lost for the 15th time in 17 games, while the Tigers won their 14th in 16.
"But, to be honest, I was concerned we might come in here and not win a game," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. "A team like that, they're going to get their share eventually."
The seventh inning Sunday was even wilder than Saturday's with the Tigers scoring five runs against Pittsburgh's usually reliable bullpen before the Pirates came back with six runs to get within a run.
Todd Jones finished up by pitching the ninth for his 22nd save in 25 opportunities, but not without a big scare. Pittsburgh loaded the bases with one out on Jason Bay's double and two walks, with Leyland ordering Freddy Sanchez be intentionally walked to put the potential winning run on base.
But Jose Castillo struck out and Humberto Cota grounded out on a ball that deflected off Jones' glove directly to second baseman Placido Polanco.
