[Jason]

May 3, 2007, 9:03pm; Jacobs Field, Cleveland, OH
(Detroit is 19-6, 4 games ahead of Minnesota. Stats: .356, 6 HR, 18 RBI)

“Welcome back to Jacobs Field where your Detroit Tigers find themselves trailing the Cleveland Indians here in the top of the eighth,” Dan Dickerson said in the old style microphone he cherished. “And we’re about to see what the entire crowd has been waiting for.”

“And the moment that’s likely to give Indians skipper Robertson a reason to grab the Maalox,” Jim Price said.

“If you’re just joining us you picked the best time,” Dickerson said. “The Tigers have been helpless tonight against former teammate Nicolas Kindred. As you might remember, during the offseason the Tigers traded Kindred to the Indians after he had made some unflattering comments in the press.”

“Well, calling the owner an idiot and his teammates greedy scum is a little worse than unflattering,” Price said with a laugh.

“I was being nice,” Dickerson replied between chuckles.

“Kindred wanted out and picked a poor way to do it,” Price said. “The bad part is tonight he’s been backing up what he claimed on the way out the door.”

“Kindred told reporters after the news of the trade that he could easily shut down the Tigers offense,” Dickerson said. “Tonight he’s done exactly that holding the team to four hits over seven innings but he’s in real trouble now.”

“I think right now Kindred’s sorry he called Ellison a ‘snot nosed little piece of crap,’” Price said.

“After a leadoff single to Pauley, we’ve had back to back errors to load the bases with nobody out,” Dickerson said. “And Dale Ellison coming to the plate with the chance to stick it to Kindred and blow the game open.”

“Look at Ellison’s face!”

“That’s almost frightening.”

“That’s one ticked off guy.”

“Ellison’s walking to the plate slowly,” Dickerson said. “He’s allowing the bat to drag on the grass behind him and he’s staring right at Kindred. He’s not looking at the coaches or the umpire. And the crowd is loving it.”

“He’s saying something to Kindred and it looks like Nicky doesn’t like it very much,” Price said.

“I’m sure it’s not friendly chit chat,” Dickerson said. “OK, Ellison’s in the box and we’re ready to see what’s going to happen between this clash of the titans.”

“I say Ellison lines it back up the middle and almost takes Kindred’s head off,” Price said.

“Kindred comes to the stretch and looks at Pauley leading off third base,” Dickerson said. “He looks back toward the plate and here’s the pitch. Low and in the dirt for ball one.”

“That was a horrible pitch,” Price said. “That wasn’t even close to the strike zone and it’s not likely they did that on purpose because Ellison doesn’t chase those kinds of balls.”

“Looks like a mistake because Kindred slapped the ball into his glove hard,” Dickerson said. “He’s back on the rubber and staring ahead at his catcher Laguna. Kindred shakes off one sign. And another. And another. And another!”

“Kindred really wants to throw another fastball,” Price said.

“Looks that way,” Dickerson replied. “OK, Kindred’s got the sign he likes. Here’s the wind and the pitch is in there! No! The ump has called that ball two and Kindred is steamed!”

“Laguna’s on his way to the mound to try and shut Kindred up before he gets tossed out of here,” Price said. “McElroy’s standing behind the plate with his mask still on but Kindred better shut his mouth fast.”

“Laguna’s spun Kindred around and is walking him up the hill,” Dickerson said. “He’s just patted Kindred on the butt and now the catcher’s on the way back to the plate. He’s holding a glove up toward Ellison who just stands there staring at him.”

“Ellison’s in the zone,” Price said. “If Kindred gets near the plate that ball’s going to fly a country mile.”

“We’ll see,” Dickerson said. “Ellison’s set and here comes Kindred from the stretch. Wow! That had a little hot sauce on it.”

“99 miles an hour.”

“And it’s on the corner for strike one,” Dickerson said. “And look at Ellison! He’s smiling!”

“That’s the smirk of someone thinking to himself ‘OK, let’s play,’” Price said.

“The sell out crowd here in Cleveland is on their feet,” Dickerson said. “They may not like Ellison but they know what they’re watching here is two of the best in the game playing cat and mouse.”

“Hopefully the cat with the bat will come out on top,” Price said with a laugh.

“Ellison’s back in the box,” Dickerson said. “Kindred shakes off the first sign and the second. Now he’s got what he likes. A quick glance toward Pauley and here’s the pitch. Fastball outside! That’s ball three!”

“I think Ellison’s gotten into Kindred’s head,” Price said. “He’s nibbling around the edges with these fastballs.”

“I think Ellison agrees,” Dickerson replied. “Look at how he’s standing at the back of the box. He’s almost taunting Kindred to throw something down the plate.”

“He’ll walk him,” Price said. “Ellison’s standing up to him when the pressure’s on and Kindred’s going to wilt like a flower in August.”

“Kindred’s taking a long time getting ready,” Dickerson said. “Ellison’s in the box and Kindred is standing looking at Pauley on third base. If he can’t throw a strike to Ellison this ball game is tied and the bases are going to still be loaded for Will Salinas.”

“Which is good news for Tigers fans,” Price quipped.

“Very good news,” Dickerson said. “OK, Kindred’s in the stretch. Here comes the pitch! Ellison swings! IT’S SLAPPED DOWN THE LEFT FIELD LINE! IT’S OFF THE TOP OF THE WALL!”

“That’s it Dale!” Price yelled.

“Pauley scores! Here comes Coffman! Dealba’s rounding third and he’s not slowing down!”

“Ellison’s headed for second and he’s drawing the throw!” Price yelled.

“Dealba’s going to score without a throw!” Dickerson said. “Here’s the throw to second and it’s way late! Dale Ellison with a three run double and the Tigers lead the Indians three to one!”

“And look at Ellison!” Price said “He’s standing on second base with his hands on his hips looking right at Kindred. I know what that body position is saying to Kindred but I can’t use those words on the radio!”

“I’m sure this won’t be the last time these two lock horns like this,” Dickerson said. “OK, here comes Salinas to the plate. He’s hitless tonight as he steps in to face Kindred. Kindred turns away from Ellison and focuses on the plate. He’s into his motion…AND THERE GOES ELLISON!”

“Oh yeah!” Price yelled.

“The quick throw from Laguna is on target,” Dickerson said. “Here’s the tag…SAFE! Ellison beat the throw!”

“His ninth steal on the season,” Price said. “And look at this! He’s not dusting himself off and he’s not even talking to his third base coach. He’s just standing there staring at Kindred.”

“I think Ellison’s in his head now,” Dickerson said. “Look at how Kindred’s watching him dance away from the bag at third.”

“This could be good for Salinas,” Price said. “Kindred tends to give up easy pitches when he’s shaken.”

“Here’s the 1-0 pitch to Salinas,” Dickerson said. “Lined up the middle and it almost hit Kindred! He’s hit the dirt! The ball’s bounced off the mound and Sanger’s charging in from second to throw out Salinas by a step! Ellison scores and it’s four to one Tigers!”

“Ellison is feeling it now,” Price said. “He’s laughing as he heads toward the dugout.”

“And here comes Robertson,” Dickerson said. “That’s going to be it for Nicholas Kindred.”

“I think it’s safe to say round one of this battle has gone to the good guys,” Price said.

“Yes,” Dickerson replied with a chuckle, “Yes it has.”