Delmon Young impresses Detroit Tigers’ Manager Jim Leyland – MLB Update
Detroit Tigers’ outfielder Delmon Young has looked in terrific form since the start of the post-season. Showing his class and composure, Young is making a name for himself among Tigers’ fans.
The way Young controlled his nerves in Tigers’ memorable 6-4 win against the New York Yankees in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series will be remembered for a long time. Young had that look in his eyes when he stepped on to the plate. He wanted
to take his team over the finish line and that is exactly what he did to give Tigers a vital 1-0 lead in best of seven ALCS.
"The first one, I was just looking for a fastball and got it," said Young, the Tigers’ designated hitter who has had a mostly rugged year, particularly during September and October. "Put a swing on it and heard a good part of the bat hit it."
"The line drive to right," Young explained in a post game interview, "first I thought it was going to hook right back to him (Swisher). I don't know what happened.”
Young smacked a home-run against Derek Lowe in the eighth inning, giving Tigers complete control of the situation. However, for once, relief pitcher Jose Valverde failed to live up to the expectations and the Yankees scored four runs in the ninth to force
the game into the decider.
"The series we had in Oakland (divisional playoff), everything seemed to find leather. I didn't have my hopes up too high. But fortunately, it got by him,” he added.
Young had more to offer in the 12th when he drove in an RBI single and third baseman Miguel Cabrera scored to help Tigers snatch a memorable win in the Bronx. Young’s ability to clear up the mess created by others is what will impress Jim Leyland
the most.
For his heroic effort in Game 1 of the ALCS, he serves a place in Detroit Tigers’ history. It will be interesting to see if Young can continue his good work throughout the series against New York to help the Tigers make it to the World Series finals.
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