Detroit Tigers defeat Kansas City Royals 4-3 – MLB Update
Justin Verlander had the 99th victory of his career on Saturday, August 6 to help the Detroit Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals 4-3 at Kauffman Stadium.
Having also won the first game by 4-3, the Tigers’ Verlander pitched another magical spell to turn the game into the team’s favour.
However, the game saw a dramatic moment when Austin Jackson made a big jump to take one of the wonderful catches of the season to avoid the Royals precious runs, causing excitement in the crowd.
"At first I didn't know if I was going to make it back there to get it," Jackson said of his leaping grab. "It kept going and I was getting to the track and trying to time my steps right. I was able to get back to it."
However, on the other hand, having got his 99th victory, Verlander presented a critical take on his pitching despite being unplayable for his rivals.
"I didn't have great control of my curveball. I was kind of able to get a little feel in the fourth, fifth, sixth inning," Verlander said. "A couple hits in the seventh, one big hit by Pena, and next thing I know the tying run is on second base. Luckily
I was able to get through it with the lead."
Having won the first game of the series by 4-3, the Tigers’ offence was once again in excellent form on Saturday. Once Danny Duffy came for pitching on the mound, he was in for great surprise as the Tigers’ hitters capitalised on his minor mistakes.
Miguel Cabrera was the first one to go for an RBI single, giving the team an early 1-0 lead. But before Duffy could settle, Victor Martinez hit another single to double the lead for the Detroit Tigers, bringing the Royals under pressure.
Justin Verlander then tossed the strongest of innings afterwards to keep the lead intact. His strategy worked out as the capable pitcher paved the way for his team’s offence to take up the lead further.
Victor Martinez snapped in his second and the team’s third, run in the third inning against the struggling Danny Duffy. The lead remained intact up until the fifth inning when Jeff Francoeur hit a homer to score the first run for the Royals.
Magglio Ordonez scored the fourth run for the Tigers in the seventh inning, putting more pressure on the Royals. Kansas City’s hitters opened their bats in the seventh inning as Francoeur scored his second run of the game and Brayan Pena scored another run
to make it 4-3 for the Royals.
But the Detroit Tigers closer Jose Valverde tossed a shut-out ninth inning to turn the 4-3 lead into the second win of the Tigers in the series. The series’ last game will be played on Sunday, with a clear opportunity for the Tigers to have a sweep in the
series.
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