Detroit Tigers 2012 Spring Training review – MLB Update Part 4
After improving their win-loss record to 7-0 with a win over Tampa Bay Rays, Detroit Tigers were looking in great shape. It seemed the moves Tigers’ General Manager and Manager Jim Leyland had made during the offseason were paying dividends for the Tigers.
However, the Tigers failed to maintain their excellent form in their following games and they suffered their first defeat of spring at the hands of Philadelphia Phillies. Phillies’ pitcher Roy Halladay played a key role in deciding the outcome of the clash
as he gave up just three runs in a high scoring game.
Max Scherzer put up a solid show as he gave up one hit in just over three innings for the Tigers. Brandon Inge, who is looking to play second base this season, wasted too many opportunities, going 0 for 3. Inge hasn’t played second base since his high school
days. It will be interesting to see if Tigers’ former third baseman can impress his managers to have successful season.
In a post game interview, Leyland expressed his disappointment at his team’s failures to make the most of available opportunities during the contest but he promised Tigers’ fans a better performance in the following games.
After tying their next three spring games, they Tigers bounced back strongly in their Grapefruit League encounter against Washington Nationals. With a deserving 6-3 win, the Tigers improved their win-loss record to 8-1. Nationals’ pitcher Edwin Jackson looked
completely out of sorts and the Tigers earned a well deserved victory. The right hander pitcher had pitched six scoreless innings in his previous two spring starts but he failed to live to his immense potential against powerful Tigers’ hitting line up.
"It's the best I've felt (this spring)," Jackson said. "The results (were) not necessarily the best, but it's spring training. We get caught up in results in spring training, when spring training is a time where you're getting ready for the season. That's
what we're out there doing. First game I had a walk. I'm not going to go kill myself."
The Tigers continued their excellent form in their following game against New York Mets. Showing great determination, composure and mental strength, the Tigers emerged victorious in a nail biting clash 7-6. Miguel Cabrera, Tigers’ third base man made a valuable
contribution with the bat.
"He hit behind (Ryan) Braun over in Milwaukee so he'll hit behind Cabrera," manager Jim Leyland said of Fielder. "We've got pretty good protection behind him in Delmon Young; he knocked in 100 runs the year before last (112 in 2010)."
Prince Fielder, who was acquired on a nine year $214 million contract during the offseason, hit his second home run of the season to help the Tigers improve their win-loss record to 9-1.
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