Detroit Tigers 2012 regular series review – Part 17
After beating the Chicago White Sox 2-1 in a three match series, the Tigers flew to Seattle, Washington for a three match series against the Seattle Mariners. In Game 1 at Safeco Field, Mariners executed their game plan to perfection to edge the Tigers 3-2.
Mariners’ starting pitcher Blake Beavan pitched with great control and accuracy, allowing just four hits and one run in three solid innings to keep his side in the game. Relief pitchers Hisashi Iwakuma, Shawn Kelley and Charlie Furbush combined to give up
one run in five sharp innings.
Closer Steve Delabar pitched the perfect ninth to grab his first win of the season and Mariners held on to their one run lead to take 1-0 series lead. For the Tigers, starting pitcher Doug Fister had one of his career best outings as he conceded just four
hits seven shutout innings. Striking-out batters at regular intervals, he created all sorts of problems for Seattle’s batters.
When Fister left the mound, the Tigers were leading the score 2-0. However, Tigers’ relief pitcher Octavio was unable to control his nerves under pressure as he gave up three runs in the ninth, giving Mariners the chance to come back from behind to clinch
a thrilling victory.
Slugger Prince Fielder doubled to left in the first inning to put Tigers on the board and outfielder Brennan Boesch earned an RBI single to centre in the fourth to double his side’s lead 2-0. However, the night belonged to the Mariners, who scored three
runs in the ninth to claim a memorable victory.
Tigers bounced back strongly in Game 2 of the series. Ace Justin Verlander provided the spark the Tigers were looking for. The 2011 American League Most Valuable Player gave up three runs in six innings while striking-out six batters. Phil Coke, Joaquin
Benoit and Jose Valverde combined to concede just one run in three innings as the Tigers held on to their two run lead to level series 1-1.
"I made a pitch that I thought was a strike and I say something, and he's already upset obviously, so that's the nature of the game," Verlander said. "I talked to Brian when I came out of the game, and I think we're both understanding of what was going on
there. I'm just thankful that I didn't say too much or Gerald didn't say too much."
Outfielder Andy Dirks played a key role in deciding the outcome of the clash as he drove in important runs in the first and the second to give Tigers a healthy 2-0 lead. Fielder smacked a solo home-run in the seventh to deny Seattle any chance of making
a comeback.
Tags: