Detroit Tigers 2012 regular season review – Part 36
After securing a memorable win in Game 2 of the series against the Cincinnati Reds, the Detroit Tigers were looking to continue the good work in the finale on June 8, 2012 to improve their win-loss record.
The finale was played on an extremely competitive note as both sides fought for the supremacy. Reds put up a solid fight until the end of the series but it was the Tigers who eventually prevailed, earning a much needed road series victory.
Starting pitcher Drew Smyly, once again, looked out of sorts as he allowed four hits and three runs in three innings. The youngster was unable to execute his game plan and the Reds made him pay heavily for his errors on the mound.
Relief pitcher Brayan Villarreal claimed his second straight win against the Reds as he pitched two sharp innings. Joaquin Benoit and closer Jose Valverde combined to toss up two scoreless innings as the Tigers held on to their one run lead to wrap up an
impressive victory.
Reds’ starter Homer Bailey showed nerves of steel under pressure as he conceded just three runs in six plus innings against a strong batting line-up. However, the Reds were unable to take advantage of their lead. Relief pitcher Logan Ondrusek and Aroldis
Chapman were unable to contain the Tigers as they combined to give up four runs in 1.1 innings.
Chapman, in particular, had a dreadful time on the mound as he allowed the tie breaking single in the eighth to take his second loss of the season.
"The guys played hard and never gave up. They finally did enough to win one. We hung in there," Leyland said. "We beat a guy that throws 105 mph. That's pretty good."
"Sometimes it happens," Reds’ manager Dusty Baker said. "I don't care how good you are. He spoiled us by being so good and he will be great again."
"I would rather have one RBI and get the win, but we're still in first place," Frazier said. "Tied or not, we're still the leaders."
Third baseman Todd Frazier provided the Reds with a dream start as he singled to right centre in the second inning to put his side on the board. Shortstop Zack Cozart and catcher Devin Mesoraco hit back-to-back home-runs as the Reds took a 4-2 lead. Frazier
kept Tigers on the defence as he smacked a two run home-run in the sixth inning to stretch the lead to 6-2.
The Tigers were also determined to end the series on a winning note. Prince Fielder, Delmon Young and Austin Jackson made valuable contributions as the Tigers came back from behind to claim a superb win at Great American Ball Park.
Detroit showed how strong they were and other teams started to take serious note of the Tigers aggressive game play.
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