Higginson Has Double the Fun

Note to Angel Manager Terry Collins for the upcoming series: Be wary of bringing in a left-hander to pitch to the Tigers’ Bobby Higginson.

For that matter, be wary of anybody pitching to him.

Higginson had a two-run double in the sixth inning against left-hander Kenny Rogers on Thursday at Detroit, and followed that an inning later with another two-run double, this time off left-handed reliever Buddy Groom, in an 8-3 win over Oakland.

Higginson, who once upon a time couldn’t hit left-handers, batted .301 against them last season and is fast showing it was no fluke.

“It’s tough to take Higgy out against anyone,” Tiger Manager Buddy Bell said. “He’s learned to hit each and every pitch, and he’s becoming a real complete player. There are a lot of talented players in the league, but I don’t know if any are more determined.”

With Detroit trailing, 3-1, Brian Hunter singled off Rogers (6-2) to lead off the sixth. Joe Randa walked and Higginson hit a two-run double to left-center. One out later, Damion Easley lined his eighth homer into the lower deck in left field for a 5-3 lead.

T.J. Mathews replaced Rogers to start the seventh inning and left with the bases loaded and only one out. Higginson greeted Groom with a two-run double over Jason McDonald’s head in center, but Randa was thrown out trying to score from first base.

“I’m very confident right now,” Higginson said. “The ball looks bigger and slower than it has all year. I just don’t know how long that will last.”

Joe Oliver added an RBI single off Aaron Small in the eighth.

Rogers lost for the first time in six starts since April 13, giving up five runs--four earned--and seven hits in six innings. He was trying to become the AL’s first seven-game winner.