Andy Oliver shines as Detroit Tigers tie with New York Mets 7-7- MLB spring Training
Detroit Tigers showed great determination, fighting spirit and character to tie with New York Mets 7-7 at the Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland Florida on Monday, March 12 in their Grapefruit League clash of the 2012 Major League Baseball Spring Training Sessions. The Tigers have looked in great touch since the start of 2012 spring season.
With six win in games, they have emerged as one of the strongest teams in American League Central division. The Tigers were quite outstanding last season to win the American League Central title. However, with more depth and quality in pitching and hitting attacks, General Manager Dave Dombrowski will have his eyes set on something more precious; the World Series title.
Manager Jim Leyland has looked extremely busy over the last couple of weeks to find a decent left handed thrower to fill the fifth starting spot. Andy Oliver presented a strong case on Monday and he might have an early lead in the race to be the fifth starter for the Tigers.
Oliver made the most of available opportunities during the contest as he allowed only one hit and struck out two batters. Oliver will be looking to continue his impressive form in the upcoming games. The youngster will have to compete with Jacob Turner, Drew Smyly and Casey Crosby for the available spot on Tigers’ pitching rotation.
"Oliver's command was a lot better. There's no question about it, he pitched four innings and he could have gone another. Our focus is just to find a fifth starter. Soon we will be out of days to decide, but not yet. I am not getting antsy," Leyland said in a post game interview.
"I felt great," Smyly said. "It's all working well, and I wish I could have gone more. Today is the best I have felt all year. I know I am better than I showed. I can't blame anybody but myself."
Smyly also had a decent outing as he allowed just two hits over two innings. It will be interesting to see which one of the competitors impresses Leyland the most in the upcoming games.
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