Detroit Tigers defeat Philadelphia Phillies 6-3 – MLB Spring Training
Detroit Tigers defeated Philadelphia Phillies 6-3 at the Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Florida on Sunday, March 25 in their Grapefruit League encounter of the 2012 Major League Baseball Spring Training Session.
Detroit’s ace Justin Verlander put up another fine performance as he retired 15 of his final 18 batters to help his team beat the Phillies 6-3. The 2011 American League Most Valuable Player, Justin Verlander made a shaky start to the contest but after talking
to his pitching coach Jeff Jones he pitched with greater control and accuracy.
"One of his big keys is to make sure he stays a little bit bent at the waist," Jones said. "He was kind of staying upright a little too much (in the first). But, he's very good at making adjustments."
Winner of Pitching Triple Crown Award, Verlander gave up seven hits, two runs and no walks in six innings to improve his ERA to 2.18. Undoubtedly, Verlander has the ability to single handedly win games for his team. The Tigers will be looking to protect
him in every possible way for the upcoming regular season. Verlander will make his final spring start on March 31. It will be interesting to see if the starter can live up to the expectations throughout the year.
"I left some pitches up," Verlander said. "I started working in the second and third getting my chest over my body a little bit and that seemed to help. I got away from that a little bit in the first."
Phillies starter Scott Elarton allowed just two hits and one run in four innings. Elarton made his MLB debut in 1998 and he has played for four different clubs since then. He will be looking to impress his skipper to secure a bullpen spot.
"I'm glad that one's over," Elarton said. "I'll take the results but it was a struggle from the beginning.”
After losing two straight games to the Phillies earlier this spring, the Tigers will be very pleased with the way they conducted themselves on Sunday. With their impressive win over the Phillies, the Tigers have now improved their spring record to 15-4.
Tags: