*Photo from NPR*
Now this was a celebration that Miguel Cabrera could have at home. In game one of the Detroit Tigers Saturday afternoon/night doubleheader against the Colorado Rockies, Cabrera picked up his 3,000th career hit on a single to right field in the first inning, a game that the Tigers went on to win 13-0.
Tigers chairman and CEO Chris Ilitch said in a statement "Congratulations to Miguel Cabrera on his 3,000th career hit. Like Tigers fans, I've been proud to witness Miggy's amazing and historic 3,000 hit and 500 home run milestones, putting him among a select few MLB legends. I thank Miguel for a career of exciting, Hall of Fame caliber play towards our objective of championship baseball for Tigers fans. Miggy has and continues to build his status as one of the greatest Tigers of all-time."
With his 3,000th hit, Cabrera became the 33rd player in baseball history to record at least 3,000 hits, and he became just the 7th to have at least 3,000 hits and 500 home runs, after hitting his 500th home run in Toronto last season. He also moved past Roberto Clemente for 32nd in all of baseball for total hits, after he recorded his second hit of the day.
Cabrera said of passing Clemente that "Roberto Clemente's one of our heroes. We wear 21 one special day in the big leagues, so that means a lot. I can't even say; I don't have words to describe the great feeling I'm feeling right now."
After Cabrera's record breaking hit, former teammate and current Rockies shortstop Jose Iglesias became the first guy on the field to hug him. Iglesias ran full tilt from shortstop over to first base, giving Cabrera a bear hug. Spencer Torkelson then drove in Cabrera with a 3 run home run.
Winning game one for the Tigers was Tarik Skubal, who finished 6 shutout innings in the day game. Skubal allowed just 5 hits, walking no one and striking out 6 hitters. Wily Peralta came on after Skubal and pitched a shutout 7th, followed by two innings from Angel De Jesus. Antonio Senzatela got the loss for the Rockies after allowing 5 runs on 10 hits in 5 innings.
The Rockies got a little revenge in game two with a night game win, prevailing 3-2, thanks to home runs from Connor Joe and Charlie Blackmon. Austin Gomber pitched 6 shutout innings, allowing 4 hits while walking no one and striking out 8 hitters. Beau Brieske got the loss for the Tigers after allowing 3 runs in 5 innings pitched.
Current Tigers outfielder Robbie Grossman said of Cabrera's milestone that "Anytime you stop a Major League game and both sides realize what we just witnessed, it’s something you can never, ever replicate. I couldn’t imagine the pressure he was under to try to get a hit. I’m just so happy for him and his family and the country of Venezuela."
The Rockies and Tigers conclude their series on Sunday afternoon, with Tyler Alexander starting for the Tigers, and Chad Kuhl taking the mound for the Rockies.
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