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Tigers Walk Away A Winner In 10th

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The Associated Press

Published: June 27, 2008

DETROIT - Albert Pujols' triumphant return was spoiled by a rookie.

Clete Thomas drew a bases-loaded walk in the 10th inning to give the Detroit Tigers a 3-2 win Thursday against St. Louis, ruining Pujols' return from injury for the Cardinals.

St. Louis reliever Mike Parisi gave up a leadoff single to Curtis Granderson and intentionally walked Carlos Guillen and Miguel Cabrera before Thomas drew his second run-scoring walk of the day.

"You want to be the guy and get the big hit and win the game, but a walk is just as good," Thomas said. "It was a great feeling."

Detroit manager Jim Leyland praised the 24-year-old's concentration.

"He showed a lot of composure," he said. "That's pretty impressive for a young hitter."

Pujols, in his first game back from the disabled list, hit an RBI single in the ninth to give the Cardinals the lead. Gary Sheffield, who returned Tuesday from the disabled list, answered with a solo homer for Detroit in the bottom of the inning.

Pujols, who missed 13 games with a calf injury, was 4-for-4 with an intentional walk.

"I just kept loose, kept the injury off my mind and looked for good pitches," the six-time All-Star said. "I wasn't surprised about my day. I work hard for everything that I do."

Manager Tony La Russa said before the game Pujols, who was the designated hitter Thursday, could return to first base if he showed no ill effects. The slugger didn't seem to create any doubt.

"Today he showed you how truly great a player he really is," La Russa said.

Sheffield passed Andre Dawson for 32nd place on the career list with his 1,592nd RBI.
Bobby Seay worked the 10th for the win.

"It was a tough game," La Russa said. "There isn't a lot to say. We just came out on the wrong end."

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