Detroit Tigers defeat Cleveland Indians 4-2 to gain crucial lead in AL Central – MLB Update
The Detroit Tigers gained a crucial lead in the American League Central division as they overcame the Cleveland Indians 4-2 at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio on Monday, September 5.
The Indians were pressing hard for a distant chance of qualifying for the postseason this year but annihilation by the hands of the Tigers further dented their chances. Scoring was difficult throughout the game but a three-run fourth inning helped the Tigers
stamp their authority on the game.
Doug Fister was a sensation at the mound as he produced a rare quality-start for Detroit under immense criticism. Fister had already seen 13 losses before this game but eight precise-innings saw him strike-out a tremendous 13 batters and bag his seventh
win of the season. He was charged for just two runs amid four hits to improve his earned-run average to 3.17 for the season.
Detroit’s manager Jim Leyland stated that this is by far the best performance the starter has ever produced but he reiterated that the team needs to remain focused and should not become complacent. Leyland further added that the series is still open and
the race for the playoffs is not over. The Indians are a strong side and have the capability to stage a comeback.
Jose Valverde is having the best season of his career and his statistics experienced a further boost when he came in to close the game for the Tigers. He pitched a perfect ninth inning to bring his ERA down to 2.54 and save his 41st game of the
season. Valverde now has a perfect record of 41 saves from 41 chances.
Ubaldo Jimenez has not had a decent season thus far and shifting teams on the midseason trade deadline has not helped either. The Indians traded four prospects for Jimenez but the starter has been able to produce just two wins till now. In this game, he
threw seven innings for three costly-runs to see his ERA surge to 5.27. His eight strike-outs in the game did not help him prevent his second loss of the season.
Victor Martinez was the batting hero for the Tigers as he produced a massive 422 feet three-run homer towards right field in the fourth inning to give the visitors an unassailable lead.
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