Detroit Tigers edge past Minnesota Twins 7-6 – MLB news
Detroit Tigers continued their superb winning streak as they edged past the Minnesota Twins 7-6 at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan on Thursday, May 23 in the opening game of their three match series of the 2013 Major League Baseball regular season.
With their win, the Tigers improved their record to 26-19 to reclaim the top spot on the American League Central Division standings table. Tigers have been the most successful team in the American League over the last few years. With three consecutive league
titles, the Tigers have certainly shown just what they are capable of. However, Manager Jim Leyland will be expecting his men to continue the good work to help the club end its 14 year World Series title drought.
Tigers’ starting pitcher Rick Porcello had a forgettable time on the mound as he allowed ten hits and five runs against a weak batting lineup. Porcello struggled to control his fastball and sliders and eventually paid the price Joaquin Benoit played a big
part in deciding the outcome of the clash as he pitched the perfect eighth to grab his first win of the season. Closer Jose Valverde also kept the pressure on the Twins with a scoreless ninth.
“That was a tough call,” Leyland acknowledged after the game. “That's definitely a move that the fans are going to discuss, and I don't have any problem with that. I wasn't sure, either.”
“If they had a tough lefty to pitch to Prince -- maybe Glen Perkins if it had been the ninth inning -- I might not have bunted,” Leyland said. “Prince has 40 RBIs hitting behind Miguel Cabrera, so I was willing to roll the dice with him.”
Miguel Cabrera provided the Tigers with a perfect as he smacked a two run home run to left in the first inning to put his side on the Cabrera reached on infield single to shortstop and slugger Prince Fielder singled to centre to keep Tigers in the contest.
Victor Martinez, Fielder and Jhonny Peralta combined to help the Tigers come back from behind to clinch a thrilling win in the opener.
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