Justin Verlander comments Nelson Cruz as the outfielder moves to leading homers in Championship League Series
Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander recently picked an amazing win on Thursday, October 13, against the Texas Rangers in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series at the Comerica Park in Detroit. However, his good performance was marred by a
two-run homer from a fiery Nelson Cruz. The ace pitched a 100 mph fastball to the outfielder and it went completely wrong for the hurler as the ball went towards the foul pole.
The hit was called a home run and Cruz picked up two runs for his team as he led Mike Napoli home. The shot also meant Cruz made his way to the top of the charts with the most home runs in League Championship Series. The homer also put him on a tie with
David Ortiz with 11 leading RBIs in the contest. Verlander could not do much about the hit as he smirked at Cruz.
"Really, I out-thunk myself on that pitch. I thought I made him look pretty foolish on a couple of curveballs earlier in the game. Here I am, 0-2, and he might be sitting on another one. So I'm playing that guessing game with him. That's not the way you
should pitch. I heard that they said [on TV] that I was staring him down in the dugout. I had no problem.
"As the ball hit the foul pole, he was standing at home plate for a second, seeing if it was fair or foul. Maybe I saw him do some antics. I might have had a little issue, but I didn't."
Cruz had earlier struck twice against Verlander and he was pretty much falling behind the ball thrower. Fortunately for him he connected well with the fastball to give his club a fighting chance against the Tigers.
Verlander ended the game with an earning runs average of 5.31 in the postseason. The 24 – 5 pitcher from the regular season was proud to end the night with a 2 – 1 standing as Detroit won 7 – 5. He has given his club a fighting chance at the World Series.
The only thing left to do now is win the next two games. The only question is, can the Tigers do it?
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