Detroit Tigers 2012 regular season – MLB season review - Part 1
Detroit Tigers started the 2012 regular season on an extremely bright note. In their first home series against the Boston Red Sox, the Tigers dominated their opponents in almost every aspect of the game.
Tigers edged past the Red Sox 3-2 at Comerica Park in Detroit on April 5 in series opener. The pitching rotation played a big part in deciding the outcome of the clash. Starting pitcher Justin Verlander had a memorable time on the mound as he gave up just
two hits in eight shut-out innings. Striking-out seven batters, he made quick work of Boston’s batting line-up.
"There was a lot I saw that I liked. Lester was terrific. He did just what he needed to do," Valentine said. "Verlander was very good. A lot of pitches on the outside corner were perfect pitches. We knew he was good and he's still good if anyone is wondering."
Relief pitcher Jose Valverde struggled to keep the pressure on the Red Sox, allowing three hits and two runs in the bottom of the ninth. However, Tigers’ closer held off the Red Sox to give his side their first win of the season.
"I'm just trying to get better and just watch him," Fielder said. "He's aggressive yet he still walks. That's not easy to do. ... Hopefully I can be as good as him when I grow up."
For the Red Sox, starter Jon Lester allowed just one run in seven sharp innings but the night belonged to the Tigers who held on to a one run lead to claim 1-0 series lead. Alex Avila broke the deadlock in the seventh inning as he doubled to deep left. First
baseman Prince Fielder hit a sacrifice fly to centre in the eighth and Austin Jackson delivered the tie breaking run in the ninth.
In an offensive outburst, the Tigers annihilated the Red Sox in Game 2 of the series, cruising to a 10-0 win to grab their first series victory. Fielder hit first two home-runs at Comerica Park as Detroit posted a huge total on the board.
Miguel Cabrera smacked a two run home-run to left centre in the first inning to put Tigers on the board. Alex Avila, Miguel Cabrera and Fielder combined to hit four home runs in two innings to give Tigers an impassable 7-0 lead. Austin Jackson, Jhonny Peralta
and Andy Dirks also made valuable contributions to help the Tigers end the game on a strong note.
Starting pitcher Doug Fister gave up just three hits in three scoreless innings. Relief pitchers Duane Below, Octavio Dotel, Phil Coke and Joaquin Benoit combined to pitch five plus scoreless innings to help the Tigers shut-out their American League rivals.
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