Detroit Tigers 2012 regular season review – Part 48
After taking an embarrassing series loss against the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Tigers were looking to learn from their mistakes to stay in the playoffs race.
Jim Leyland and company started their next series against the Texas Rangers on an extremely aggressive note. In Game 1 on June 25, the Tigers dominated the mighty Rangers in almost all aspect of the game to claim a vital 1-0 series lead.
Despite having the home conditions working in their favour, the Rangers were unable to find winning ways as they allowed the Tigers to dictate terms.
Tigers’ starting pitcher Rick Porcello had a great time on the mound as he allowed just six hits and one run in six solid innings to claim his fifth win of the season. Striking out batters at regular intervals, he kept Rangers on the defensive.
Relief pitchers Brayan Villarreal and Joaquin Benoit combined to concede just one run in three innings as the Tigers held on to their lead comfortably to secure a much needed victory.
Rangers’ starter Justin Grimm paid the ultimate price for his errors on the mound, allowing eight hits and six runs in just one inning to take his first loss of the season. Grimm looked a bit uncomfortable on the mound and the Tigers’ offence took complete
advantage of that.
"We came out swinging, put some runs on the board early," manager Jim Leyland said. "That let Rick relax a little bit, and he was very good against a tremendous offensive club."
"Something I'm trying to get better at every time is to control my emotions. For me, it's control my tempo and delivery," said Porcello. "With the big lead, I'm trying to keep the mindset that it's a 0-0 game. If I start thinking I have a cushion, I get
complacent and I'm not as good in the strike zone."
Third baseman Miguel Cabrera doubled to deep right centre in the first inning to put Detroit on the board. Delmon Young, shortstop Jhonny Peralta and Ramon Santiago combined to extend Tigers’ lead to 5-0. Slugger Prince Fielder also made his presence felt
with a sacrifice fly hit to right in the second inning.
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