Detroit Tigers 2012 regular season – MLB Review – Part 14
After receiving a hammering in a three match series against the New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers’ Manager Jim Leyland wanted his team to regroup and fight back in their next series against the Kansas City Royals and that is exactly what the Tigers did.
In Game 1 at Comerica Park, the Tigers dominated their American League Central Division rivals in almost all aspects of the game. The pitching rotation played a big part in deciding the outcome of the clash, limiting the Royals’ batting line-up to just three
runs.
Starting pitcher Rick Porcello produced a magical performance as he allowed just seven hits and three runs in eight solid innings. Striking-out batters at regular intervals, he helped his side establish complete control over the contest. Relief pitcher pitched
the scoreless ninth to close out an impressive win for his team. Royals’ starter Luke Hochevar had a horrendous time on the mound as he gave up 12 hits and nine runs in just four innings.
"Jonesy just suggested something to slow down my delivery," Porcello said. "My biggest problem has been my tempo -- I'm getting out too quick and leaving pitches up in the zone. Today, we slowed everything down."
"That was the Tigers team that I've been expecting to see," Leyland said. "It won't happen every night, obviously, but tonight we had action, we're playing a good game and everyone is running around the bases. That puts everyone in a good mood."
"I'm not sure what is causing it. I'm just trying to time the ball and put good swings up," Jackson said.
Third baseman Miguel Cabrera provided the Tigers with a kind of start they were hoping as he doubled to deep right in the first inning to put his side on the board. Slugger Prince Fielder, Andy Dirks and Jhonny Peralta all made the most of available opportunities
as the Tigers scored five in the first.
The offence continued to put pressure on the Royals. Don Kelly, Austin Jackson and Peralta drove in vital runs to stretch the lead to 9-0. The Royals showed great fighting skills in closing stages of the game but they were unable to match Tigers’ brilliance.
Despite having the momentum on their side, the Tigers were unable to find winning ways in Game 2 of the series. Both teams displayed some top quality baseball skills but it was the Royals who would eventually prevail 3-2 to level the series 1-1.
Tigers’ starter Justin Verlander had a memorable time on the mound as he gave up just two runs on six hits in eight sharp innings but the offence was unable to put up enough runs on the board. Only Brennan Boesch was able to trouble the scorers with a two
run home-run in the eighth inning.
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