Detroit Tigers crush Cleveland Indians 4-1 – MLB news
Detroit Tigers continued to impress the critics as they secured another important 4-1 win in the American League Central Division against the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, June 9 in the finale of their three match series
of the 2013 Major League Baseball regular season.
With their win, the Tigers also secured a superb series sweep against their arch rivals and improved their record to 35-26. Right now, Jim Leyland and company are placed first on the AL Central Division standings table. Skipper Leyland will be expecting
his men to continue their incredible winning streak to claim their fourth straight division title. It will be interesting to see if the Tigers can execute their plan to perfection this year to finally end their 14-year World Series title drought.
Starting pitcher Jose Alvarez led from the front as he allowed just three hits and one run in six solid innings bag his first win of the year. Striking out seven batters, the right hander made the most of available opportunities on the mound.
“Tried to control the emotions the most I can,” the 24-year-old left-hander said. “Trust myself. I was pretty happy, this outing in the big leagues.”
“You certainly had to like his demeanor and his mound presence. I thought it was terrific,” manager Jim Leyland said. “He didn't appear to be overwhelmed by anything. We kind of noticed that in spring training -- this kid was pretty calm.”
“I can't believe it,” Alvarez said. “My first outing and this guy gives me a good lead right after they take me out of the game.”
Relief pitcher Drew Smyly and Joaquin Benoit also made their presence felt as they combined to pitch three scoreless innings of relief, helping the Tigers hold on to their three run lead to complete a deserving series win.
Alex Avila provided the Tigers with an excellent start as he hit a sacrifice fly to centre in the second inning to break the deadlock. Indians can back strongly, thanks to Ryan Raburn’s home run in the fifth inning but Don Kelly ensured the Tigers prevailed
in a thriller as he smacked a three run home run right in the sixth.
Tags: