Detroit Tigers fall 2-3 against Texas Rangers in ALCS Game 1 – MLB Update
After conquering the New York Yankees in the American League Division Series, the Detroit Tigers lost 2-3 against Texas Rangers on Saturday, October 8 in Game 1 of the AL Championship Series at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas to give the home-team an
early advantage in the seven-game series.
This was the third time that the Tigers have lost in Game 1 of the ALCS. They lost against Minnesota Twins in 1987 and Oakland Athletics in 1972, losing the series on both occasions. With the momentum tilted towards the Rangers now, a positive result is
not expected for Detroit in this series.
Justin Verlander failed to impress for the visitors after having bagged 24 wins in the regular season. His post-season statistics this year are not impressive thus far and if this trend continues, the Tigers are likely to crash out before the World Series.
In a rain-interrupted start for the second time this week, Verlander leaked three runs in a dreary spell of four innings to see the Tigers lose advantage in the low-scoring encounter. Although a renowned hitters’ ballpark, runs did not come in plenty primarily
because of the depth of either bull-pens.
Daniel Murphy drove in a triple in the second inning to allow Mike Napoli a run and become only the second Ranger to hit a triple in a post-season game after Ian Kinsler achieved this feat in last year’s ALCS. Murphy then followed it up with a run in the
same inning to double the lead for the home-side and impose pressure on the visitors, who were widely tipped as underdogs even before the series began.
C.J. Wilson had failed to cash in on his start in the AL Division Series and was upbeat to win his start against Verlander in the ALCS. Although he managed to get a no-decision in the end, he pitched 4.1 scoreless innings upfront before losing accuracy and
leaking two runs thereafter. He was promptly removed by Ron Washington and finished his spell with statistics of two runs from 4.2 innings amid six hits at an ERA of 3.86.
After Nelson Cruz had powered the Rangers to a three-run lead with a game-changing home-run in the fourth inning, the advantage remained with Texas even after Wilson’s lacklustre showing in the fifth inning. A combination of five pitchers thereafter ensured
that the Rangers go through unscathed. Alexi Ogando was the pick of the pitchers for Texas, tossing two scoreless innings and winning the game for the Rangers.
Austin Jackson was the only notable batter in Detroit’s line-up, driving in a run and scoring another in his five at-bats.
Rangers’ manager Washington praised Ogando’s pitching and termed him as an asset for the team. With Derek Holland scheduled to start Game 2 for the Rangers, the bull-pen will be upbeat to overcome Detroit’s Max Scherzer.
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