Detroit Tigers 2012 Spring Training review – MLB Update – Part 2
After beating Atlanta Braves comprehensively in their first two Spring Training games, Detroit Tigers were hoping to live up to the expectations in their third spring game against Toronto Blue Jays.
There were a lot of expectations from the fans and the Tigers did not disappoint them either as they posted yet another clinical victory to improve their win-loss record. The Blue Jays, who looked in great form in their first spring season game, could not
cope with the firepower in Tigers batting line up as they allowed four runs during the contest.
While the Tigers’ batting unit featured the likes of Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder, Brennan Boesch and Ryan Raburn, Justin Verlander announced himself in an emphatic style in pitching department of the game. The 2011 American League Most Valuable Player
Award winner, Verlander displayed some high quality pitching skills on his first spring chance as he tossed two scoreless innings to help the Tigers down their rivals 4-2.
The Cy Young Award winner gave up just one hit, struck out one and faced six batters. Verlander, who worked really hard in the pre-spring practice sessions, was very content with the way he pitched against Toronto and he aimed to bring more improvement in
his game play before the start of regular season.
In addition to amazing offensive abilities, the Tigers’ demonstrated some excellent defensive skills, which played a crucial role in deciding the outcome of the encounter. Catcher Alex Avila did a wonderful job behind the plate and he liked what he saw from
Verlander. Brandon Inge also made a valuable save at second base off Verlander’s pitching.
"He was just working on his breaking ball, his slider and other things," Avila said.
"He was just trying to get the feel for his breaking ball and his changeup," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. "I'm not thinking about last year and neither is he. He doesn't have perfect control yet, but he'll have it."
With momentum on their side, the Tigers continued to play an aggressive brand of baseball in their following game against Miami Marlins. Thrashing the Marlins 3-1, the Tigers showed the baseball world what they were capable of. Tigers’ starter Rick Porcello
put up another decent show as he allowed one unearned run and a hit over two innings pitched.
"It's definitely good to see my sinker had good life on it, my four-seamer wasn't as consistent as I'd like it to be at this time of year, but my changeup and slider, I had a pretty good feel for those," Porcello said.
The unearned run came off a throwing error by Danny Worth in the first inning. Competing for the starting spot on Tigers’ pitching rotation, Porcello retired five batters on groundouts.
Continued in part 3
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