Detroit Tigers defeat Houston Astros 9-1 – MLB Update
American League’s Detroit Tigers’ batters hurled eighteen hits leading the club to a 9-1 triumph over rivals Houston Astros in their Grapefruit League game at Osceola Stadium, Florida on Monday, March 21.
Tigers after enjoying a one run deficit for the first two innings gained momentum in third that remained there until the last innings. Detroit scored in every inning from the third to ninth including two runs each in the sixth and ninth inning.
Centre-fielder Austin Jackson, catcher Victor Martinez posted three hits and designated hitter Alex Avila availed three runs. Willie Rhymes and Brandon Inge both made two runs each on two hits. Catcher Martinez started the seventh inning with a double to
Astros’ hurler Wilton Lopez.
The Astros’ strategy to continue to use their designated hitter did not succeed, as they could not retain their lead acquired in the first inning. Houston led off the inning with their sole run hammered by center-fielder Michael Bourne off Tigers’ starter
Phil Coke. That was his only consumed run on four hits in five innings. The 28-year-old left-handed pitcher Coke, making his sixth start of spring, also had two strike-outs and two walks. Phil improved his position in the Grapefruit League increasing his record
to 3-2 with a 2.49 ERA.
Coke received praising comments from manager Jim Leyland after the game. Leyland confirmed his inclusion in the final roster for the first nine days of the regular season. Coke has been scheduled to start on April 9, according to the manager.
"He's going to throw 50 pitches his next time, and then we'll set up his start on April 9," Leyland said. "He'll be a member of the bullpen and I'll use the bullpen as I see fit, like I would any other time."
The foundation made by Coke then built on by later pitchers as they did not allow any run. Brayan Villarreal, Joaquin Benoit, Jose Valverde and Enrique Gonzalez all tossed one inning and remained impressive.
Astros’ pitcher Brett Myers, making his first start since being named the club’s opening day starter against the Philadelphia Phillies last Friday, went for 12 hits in five innings. He allowed five runs including five earned runs, but did not receive any
homer. The 30-year-old also struck-out four with three walks.
"I felt like I threw a lot of strikes today and I had good movement on my pitches, and for the most part I felt I threw the ball really well," Myers said. "I know the results weren't there, but that's what happens."
Pitchers Mark Melancon and Jeff Fulchino both threw one inning and struck-out one giving two and one run respectively. However, the pitchers will take on the Washington Nationals on Tuesday, March 22. Astros have planned a struggling Wandy Rodriguez, who
has 0-2 record with 9.35 ERA, to go up against Nationals’ John Lannan.
Tags: