Detroit Tigers overcome Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 to stay in playoff race – MLB Update
It was an amazing night for the fans at Comerica Park in Detroit Michigan on Wednesday, August 22. Detroit Tigers delivered a season defining performance as they overcame the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 in second game of their three match series.
Manager Jim Leyland will be an extremely happy with his team’s revival after the All Star Break. Tigers needed to turn things around to defend their American League Central Division crown and that are exactly what they did.
With their impressive win against the Blue Jays in front of packed Comerica Park, Tigers narrowed down the gap between themselves and Chicago White Sox to just two games. Surely, they will be looking to stay focused to have any chance of replacing their
arch rivals.
Tigers’ defence and pitching rotation played a key role in deciding the outcome of the clash on Wednesday. Starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez, in particular, should be given the credit for the way he mixed his fastballs, sliders and curveballs.
"I just feel great when I can control my pitches," Sanchez said. "Today I feel more relaxed, I feel more comfortable on the mound and that's what the result was today."
"His stuff was really electric, probably as crisp as it's been since we got him," Detroit catcher Alex Avila said. "He looked great, using all his pitches. He had real good life on his fastball."
After losing his last two decisions, Sanchez finally looked in control and he created all sorts of problems for Blue Jays’ offence. Overall, he gave up just three runs on five hits to keep the opponents on defensive. Relief pitchers Steve Delabar and Casey
Janssen tossed up two scoreless innings to ensure the Tigers reach home safely.
"We're struggling to score runs, so we're trying to manufacture something with two outs," Farrell said.
Omar Infante, Jeff Baker drove in crucial runs in the fourth and the fifth to give Detroit a vital 2-0 lead. All Star first baseman Prince Fielder also collected an RBI to left in the sixth inning to help Tigers restore a two run advantage.
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