Detroit Tigers fall 3-7 against Texas Rangers in ALCS Game 2 – MLB Update
Detroit Tigers failed to capitalise on Max Scherzer’s start in Game 2 of the American League Championship Series against the Texas Rangers, losing 3-7 in the 11th inning on Monday, October 10 at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas.
Scherzer pitched six innings for just three runs amid six hits to give the visitors a chance to draw level in the seven-game series. After leaking two runs in the first inning, Detroit’s starter pitched five scoreless innings to re-emerge in the contest
but was promptly removed when Nelson Cruz homered for Texas in the seventh inning to level the score at 3-3.
Elvis Andrus and Josh Hamilton scored in the first inning to give the home-side a two-run lead, but Ryan Raburn replied strongly in the third inning with a three-run homer down left-field to turn the deficit into a one-run lead for the Tigers.
Derek Holland could not stay for long on the mound for Texas and was removed after Raburn’s home-run in the third inning. In 2.2 innings, Holland was unglued for three runs and four hits and could not strike-out any batter. He was not only down on form,
but lacked accuracy as well.
Except Raburn, Detroit’s offence did not impress. Designated Hitter Victor Martinez failed for the second time in this series and is now 0-for-7 in two games. With Magglio Ordonez out for the season, odds for an offensive comeback in the pennant race seem
to be on the lower side.
Austin Jackson, Ramon Santiago and Delmon Young combined went 2-for-14 to highlight Detroit’s offensive worries. Don Kelly produced two hits from as many at-bats, but failed to score runs when they were needed the most.
The Tigers had ample chances to score, but could not cash in on them. Manager Jim Leyland, however, is positive that the team is capable of staging a comeback especially with the series now shifting to Detroit.
The game was pushed into extra innings after Jose Valverde pitched a perfect ninth to keep the scores level at three-each. He replicated this feat in the tenth inning and was subsequently replaced by Ryan Perry in the 11th inning. With bases loaded,
Cruz unleashed his arms for a Grand Slam to secure a four-run unassailable lead for the Rangers and seal the encounter.
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