April 9, 2013 Game Recap: In GIFs

The Tigers defeated the Blue Jays 7-3 at Comerica Park earlier this afternoon. Detroit combined for 15 hits, four of those coming courtesy of Miguel Cabrera. Torii Hunter went 3-5, including his 2000th career hit (we'll get to that later). New dad Alex Avila was 2-4 with a solo home run - his second of the year.

Melky Cabrera finished 3-4 with one RBI. Colby Rasmus connected for a solo home run in the ninth inning off Joaquin Benoit (new permanent closer? We shall see!)

Anibal Sanchez went 7 innings, giving up two runs on five hits. It's nice to see another Tigers pitcher go more than five innings.

But here's the really cool, interesting stuff that happened that had to be immortalized on the internet forever in GIF form.

First of all, Don Kelly made a super amazing catch in left field. Look at him bounce off the wall like it's made of clouds. Absolutely no regard for his body, and it resulted in what's easily one of the top plays of the season in Major League Baseball. Yes, the season is a week old. But this catch will be played in every season-ending montage that is made: COUNT ON IT.

Cabrera hit an absolute BOMB for his first home run of the season. Not only was it a BOMB (I can only type this word in all caps. Not sorry) but it was also a three-run shot. And why was it a three-run shot? Because Austin Jackson and Hunter both singled to get on base. Because they play the way 1-2 hitters should. They are amazing. I am happy. This lineup is freakin' awesome.

In the sixth inning, Hunter notched his 2,000th career hit. 2,000 is a big number. It's really big. 

And then at this very moment right here, I had one of those "oh wow" realizations. Torii Hunter is a Detroit Tiger. You guys. I'm a young gal, so I literally grew up watching Hunter play. I remember those 11 years he spent in the AL Central with the Twins. I remember how he killed the Tigers, and then continued to do so in an Angels uniform for five years. And now he's got that beautiful Old English D on his chest, and he earned hit number TWO THOUSAND at Comerica Park. As a Tiger. What?!

And then the fans and the team gave him a nice long ovation and Lindsay got goosebumps.

While this was a very good game for the Tigers and their fans, I think we can all agree on the most memorable moment. And that moment was this....

Former University of Michigan QB Denard Robinson: Not a pitcher

So there you have it! Tomorrow, the Tigers will play the Jays at 1:08 p.m. Here's to hoping mother nature is kind.

My interview with Tigers catcher, Alex Avila

When I first found out that I would have the chance to interview Tigers players, one of my top priorities was to interview Alex Avila. When I saw the All Star catcher walking from one of the practice fields and back to the clubhouse, I knew I had to go catch up with him. He was another really easy and fun interview and I enjoyed talking to him.

I warned him that these would be random questions and when I asked him my first question, he was stumped. I loved watching his face as he tried to come up with an answer! Anyway, without further ado, here are Alex Avila's answers!

If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Uh. These really are random questions. Um.... [long pause] I don't know, I like war movies. So, any movie like We Were Soldiers or anything like that. I just saw Act of Valor, that was good.

What is your go-to snack?

They're called Powerberries from Trader Joe's. They're like chocolate covered raisin type of things, almost like raisinettes. They taste pretty good.

Who is the funniest guy in the clubhouse?

I'd have to say it's probably a tie between Gerald Laird and Jose Valverde.

Who is the smartest?

I'm going to go with Doug Fister.

What is one skill you wish you had?

I don't know, maybe sing, have a good voice.

What's your favorite thing about being a Detroit Tiger?

Definitely the tradition that the club has. Not too many clubs that have a hundred year history like the Tigers do and that's pretty cool to be a part of.