Detroit Tigers 2012 regular season review – Part 21
An embarrassing loss to the Chicago White Sox in Game 1 of a two match series had dented Detroit Tigers’ confidence levels. Manager Jim Leyland wanted his team to regroup and fight back in Game 2 on May 15, 2012 and that is exactly what the Tigers did.
White Sox made a dream start to the contest. Paul Konerko smacked a solo home-run in the third inning to give his side a crucial 3-0 lead. Dayan Viciedo and A.J. Pierzynski also made valuable contributions to extend the lead to 6-0.
For the Tigers, third baseman Miguel Cabrera, Ryan Raburn and Austin Jackson hit three consecutive home-runs to help their side come back from behind to claim an 8-6 lead. Raburn singled to right and Jhonny Peralta singled to centre in the seventh inning
to give Tigers complete control of the situation.
Alex Ramirez doubled to right in the ninth reduce Chicago’s deficit to 8-10 but the Tigers held on to their two run lead to level the series 1-1.
Starting pitcher Max Scherzer gave up eight hits and six runs in just four innings but he was fortunate to end up on the winning side. Relief pitcher Collin Balester pitched 1.1 shut-out innings to claim his second win of the season. Phil Coke, Joaquin Benoit,
Jose Valverde and Octavio Dotel all pitched with great control and accuracy as the Tigers secured a much needed victory.
"His lower back just tightened up, that's why we had to get him out of there," manager Jim Leyland said. "Right now it's lower back tightness. Just got to keep our fingers crossed on Jose. I think it's all right."
"When (Valverde) was in the game and got a quick two outs, I thought the game was going to be over," Dotel said. "This game is hard to understand sometimes. You think you're in, and you're out. You think you're out, and you're in. Just always be ready."
With their win against the White Sox, the Tigers improved their record to 18-18 and they were looking to continue the good form in a two match series against the Minnesota Twins but that did not turn out to be the case.
In Game 1 on May 16, 2012 the Tigers lost to their American league Central Division rivals 11-7. Porcello continued to struggle on the mound as he allowed six hits and six runs in just four innings. Relief pitcher Duane Below was also hit hard as he gave
up two runs in just over two innings to take his second loss of the season.
Prince Fielder, Ramon Santiago, Austin Jackson, Andy Dirks and Miguel Cabrera made useful contributions but the Twins were too hot to handle as they humiliated the Tigers at Comerica Park.
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