Detroit Tigers lose Game 4 of ALCS against Texas Rangers 3-7 – MLB Playoffs
The Detroit Tigers could not sustain their winning momentum as they lost 3-7 in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series to the Texas Rangers on Wednesday, October 12 at Comerica Park in Detroit.
After taking a 5-2 win, piling three homers in Game 3 of the ALCS, the Tigers’ manager Jim Leyland concerns were relieved, but such relief was gone again when the pitching depth gave away four runs in the eleventh inning to put the club 7-3 down in the matchup.
Game was tied at 3-all until the bottom of the tenth inning and the Tigers’ reliable closer Jose Valverde landed at the mound to pitch the eleventh. He first gave away a single to Mike Napoli and then Nelson Cruz, who has already made his reputation as a
guy who can change the entire outlook of a game with a single hit in Game 2, launched a 413-feet long three-run homer to finalise the game at 7-3. Leyland was not expecting such a shaky performance from his top closer, but the eleventh inning has made Leyland
reassemble his rotation.
Rick Porcello, who was given the starting opportunity, tossed just over six solid innings and held the Rangers’ batting powerhouse to just three runs. Right-hand hurler yielded eight hits, but managed to escape the crucial condition and took six strike-outs.
The 22-year-old starter handed the game at 3-2 in the top of the seventh to Al Alburquerque, who along with Joaquin Benoit made some exceptional pitching to take the club back into game.
Miguel Cabrera’s double to snatch two game opening runs gave the Tigers a major confidence boost until the sixth when they opened their batting. Ian Kinsler, Elvis Andrus and Michael Young, all combined and piled three runs to put the Tigers down to 3-2.
Brandon Inge took his club back into the game with his one-run homer in the bottom of the seventh inning.
All of the remaining games now have become do-or-die for the Tigers. Leyland now has associated all hopes with his best starter Justin Verlander. The right-hand hurler had failed in Game 1 of the ALCS, but now the condition is different as the club cannot
afford even a single mistake.
Tags: