Detroit Tigers crush Tampa Bay Rays 5-2 – MLB news
Detroit Tigers managed to restore their lost pride as they drilled the Tampa Bay Rays 5-2 at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan on Thursday, June 6 in the finale of their three match series of the 2013 Major League Baseball regular season.
With their win, the Tigers also secured a much needed 2-1 series win against the inspired Rays. Tigers secured a comfortable 10-1 win in the opener but they failed to keep up their intensity in the following game and the Rays levelled up the series 1-1.
However, with home crowd cheering for them, the Tigers lived up to the expectations on Thursday and improved their record to 32-26 to stay at the top of American League Central Division standings table.
A lot of credit should be given to the Rays for putting up a brave fight in a game that was played on a very competitive note. Pitchers from both teams pitched with great control and accuracy but the Tigers turned out to be the better side eventually, winning
the game with a three-run margin.
Starting pitcher Max Scherzer showed just what he is capable of as he struck out nine batters in seven solid innings. Allowing just four hits and one run, he took another leap towards the American League Most Valuable Player award with a superb 8-0 record.
“I'm showing consistency with four pitches and I feel like that's really what's allowing me to be effective and pitch deep into games and do all the little things well,” Scherzer said. “I realize the league's probably going to make adjustments to me and
I've got to be ready to still pitch my best.”
“That might be the best rotation in the American League,” Rays manager Joe Maddon said. “Scherzer is a lot like Sanchez, where he can add and subtract with all of his pitches. He's got a lot more confidence in the changeup, and his other pitches have gotten
much better over the last couple years.”
Jose Valverde pitched the perfect ninth to ensure the Tigers reached home safely. Victor Martinez continued to impress upon his return from injury as he smacked a two run home run to right in the fourth inning.
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