Detroit Tigers 2012 regular season review – Part 46
Detroit Tigers took an embarrassing 1-4 loss against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Game 1 of the series. Similar pattern of play was observed in Game 2 of the series as well as the Tigers took their second straight loss against the Pirates.
Tigers’ batting lineup once again failed to produce the desired results on June 23 and the Pirates held on to their slim lead to take a decisive 2-0 series lead.
Starting pitcher Max Scherzer had a decent time on the mound but he was unfortunate to end up on the losing side. Overall, Scherzer gave up three hits and three runs in six sharp innings but the offence was unable to put enough runs on the board.
Relief pitcher Phil Coke was also unable to control the flow of runs as he allowed three hits and one run. Octavio Dotel pitched two scoreless innings but his effort was not enough to save the Tigers from another humiliating series defeat.
"We did want to give him an opportunity to pitch at home," Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle said. "There's no place like home -- Dorothy said it a long time ago. Our pitchers have pitched well here. There's a comfort zone here, they're aggressive and attack
the zone, and Brad was able to follow suit with that today."
"Hopefully, we can keep the momentum going," said McCutchen, who continued a hot streak with his 13th homer."Different guys are coming through, getting on base and getting the big hits."
Pirates’ starter Brandon Lincoln played a big part in deciding the outcome of the clash as he allowed just one run in six innings to grab his fourth win of the season. Closer Joel Hanrahan pitched the scoreless ninth to save his 19th game of the
year.
Andrew McCutchen provided the Pirates with an excellent start as he homered to left in the fourth inning to break the deadlock. Tigers’ third baseman Miguel Cabrera smacked a solo home run to centre in the seventh to keep his side in the contest but Neil
Walker’s RBI single to left helped the Pirates close out a deserving win at PNC Park.
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