Justin Verlander helps Detroit Tigers humble Baltimore Orioles 4-2 – MLB Spring Training
Detroit Tigers continued to flourish as they humbled Baltimore Orioles 4-2 at the Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Florida on March 15 in their Grapefruit League clash of the 2012 Major League Baseball Spring Training Session. With an astonishing 9-1
win-loss record this spring, the Tigers are proving themselves as one of the favourites to win the World Series title. The Orioles, on the other hand, will be hoping to bounce back strongly in second half of spring.
Skipper Jim Leyland and his men gave the fans plenty to cheer about last season as the Tigers won their first ever American League Central division title. However, despite Justin Verlander Heroics, the Tigers could not cope with pressure in the playoffs.
Putting up another commanding show on Thursday, it seems the Tigers are on the right track.
Having strengthened the pitching attack with the Likes of Justin Verlander, Drew Smyly, Adam Wilk, Andy Oliver and Duane Below, General Manager Dave Dombrowski and owner Mike Ilitch will not be looking to settle for anything less than World Series glory.
Verlander put up another fighting performance in the game against Baltimore, coming back strongly after getting hit for a home run on his third pitch of the game. The AL MVP showed his excellent throwing skills to strike out eight batters in just over three
innings.
"I was starting to fall behind in the first," Verlander said. "I am still trying to get my arm stretched out and find some consistency, but I am throwing a lot of off-speed stuff right now. Opening day is right in the back of my mind."
"I can't look at last year's numbers at all," Verlander said. "All I need to do is keep trying to get better. I have turned the page from last year and I can't pay attention to the numbers from last year."
Giving up just one run and three hits during the contest, he has an impressive .93 ERA this spring. With 24 wins, 250 strikeouts and 2.40 ERA, Verlander won the Pitching Triple Crown award last season. We have already seen glimpses of his immense talent
this year. It will be interesting to see if Verlander can help the Tigers make their dreams come true.
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