Detroit Tigers 2012 regular season review – Part 40
Colorado Rockies annihilated the Detroit Tigers 12-4 in Game 1 of a three match series and they had an excellent chance to wrap up a rare series victory at Comerica Part. Tigers, on the other hand, were looking to learn from their mistakes to stay alive in the series and that is exactly what they did in Game 2 on June 15, 2012.
The pitching rotation played a key role in deciding the outcome of the clash. Starting pitcher Doug Fister produced a masterful performance as he allowed just three hits in six scoreless innings. Striking out six batters, Fister used his fastball and slider very effectively against the inform Rockies’ batting lineup. It was Fister’s first win of the season after he took three consecutive losses.
"We're all working together and bringing something to the table to help the team," Fister said. "The defense spoke for itself tonight -- we had guys laying out all over the place. This is the type of team win we needed, where all cylinders are clicking."
"It will be a long night for me, wondering what he is going to show up like tomorrow," Tigers’ Manager Jim Leyland said. "He's a real good pitcher when he's right, and if he's right, he's going to get stronger. That will be something for us to look forward to."
Relief pitchers Phil Coke and Joaquin also pitched with great control and accuracy to help the Tigers hold on to their slim lead. Coke pitched two shutout innings and Benoit gave up one run in the ninth.
Rockies’ starting rotation failed to execute their game plan. Starter Christian Friedrich was hit hard as he allowed four hits and three runs in a low scoring game. Relief pitcher Josh Roenicke was also unable to control the flow of runs, giving up two hits and one run in 1.1 innings of relief.
Miguel Cabrera provided the Tigers with a kind of start they were hoping. The hard hitting third baseman showed excellent composure on the plate right from the start of the contest. With a mighty home run to right centre in the first inning, Cabrera put his side on the board.
Austin Jackson, who drove in crucial runs in the opener, continued to impress the critics as he walked in the fourth inning and shortstop Jhonny Peralta scored to double Tigers’ advantage to 2-0.
Slugger Prince Fielder also made his presence felt on the plate as he hit a sacrifice fly to right in the seventh to extend Tigers’ lead to 4-0. For the Rockies, Michael Cuddyer helped his team avoid an embarrassing shutout defeat but his effort was not enough to stop the Tigers from levelling up the series 1-1.
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