Detroit Tigers 2012 regular season review – Part 42
After securing a much needed series victory against the Colorado Rockies, the Detroit Tigers started their next series against the St. Louis Cardinals on a very positive note.
Jim Leyland wanted his team to bring some consistency in their results to stay in the playoffs race and that is exactly what the Tigers did in the series against the Cardinals.
In Game on June 19, the Tigers dominated the reigning World Series champions in almost all aspects of the game. Tigers’ starting rotation used the conditions superbly at Comerica Park, limiting the Cardinals to just three runs in a hitter’s friendly ballpark.
Ace Justin Verlander produced a magical performance to help the Tigers prevail in the opener. The 2011 American League Most Valuable Players allowed five hits and three runs in seven solid innings to grab his seventh win of the season. Striking out batters
at regular intervals, he kept St. Louis on the defensive for most part of the game.
Relief pitcher Joaquin Benoit and Phil Coke also played a big part in deciding the outcome of the contest as they combined to toss up two perfect innings, helping the Tigers hold on to their three run lead.
Cardinals’ starter Lance Lynn struggled to execute his game plan as he gave up nine hits and five runs in five innings to take his third loss of the season. Relief pitchers Sam Freeman, Victor Marte and Fernando Sales combined to concede just one run in
three solid innings but the night belonged to the Tigers who outperformed their opponents to take a vital 1-0 series lead.
"I was trying to be economical," Verlander said. "My guys gave me a four-, five-run lead, I'm not trying to go out there and strike out anybody."
"I really needed my A game tonight, especially against Verlander, but I didn't bring it," Lynn said. "My fastball wasn't where I wanted it tonight.”
"We put a little pressure on him late, but we couldn't get the big hit that we needed," St. Louis manager Mike Matheny said. "Our guys were definitely up for the challenge, but that's what he does. The great ones always have that extra gear when they need
it."
Delmon Young singled to left in the first inning to put Tigers on the board. Austin Jackson doubled to deep right and rookie Quintin Berry grounded out to second in the second inning to stretch Tigers’ lead to 4-0.
Young had an excellent outing as he drove in another run in the fifth inning to give Tigers’ an impassable 5-0 lead. Third baseman Miguel Cabrera ended the game on a very aggressive note for his team as he singled to right in the sixth inning.
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