Miguel Cabrera shines as Detroit Tigers defeat Houston Astros 8-4 – MLB Update
American League Central franchise Detroit Tigers put in a brilliant performance as they defeated the Houston Astros 8-4 in spring training at Osceola County Stadium in Florida on March 27.
In the Grapefruit League outing, the Tigers’ played aggressively from the start and gathered a two run lead in the first inning. The momentum Detroit gained was carried throughout the game as they convincingly beat the Astros.
Austin Jackson led off the game with a single to Astros’ left-handed pitcher Wandy Rodriguez. Victor Martinez then followed with a single on a line drive to right-field moving the lead 2-0. The Tigers played effectively and achieved a 5-0 advantage in the
second inning.
The Astros struggled hard to shorten the deficit but could manage only two runs in the second innings. The pressure increased in the fourth when Martinez, assisting Magglio Ordonez to score, chipped a sacrifice fly to centre-fielder Michael Bourn taking
the score to 6-2.
The game seemed in full control of the Tigers as they kept on widening the margin. Miguel Cabrera boosted another run launching a grand slam off Houston’s reliever Jose Valdez in the seventh inning. Cabrera was impressive as he also had a double, single
and drove in four runs improving his spring record.
Houston’s manager instructed something to Valdez before he went for a homer. Valdez regarded it as the simple tactic to lose his pressure. Cabrera was lucky enough not been caught on two soft flies by Astros’ second baseman or right-fielder.
Astros’ manager Brad Mills seemed unhappy with right-fielder Hunter Pence.
"Hunter thought it was going to carry to him," Mills said. "With the high sky and the wind blowing like it was, sometimes those things are tough. But you'd like to see it all taken care of."
Astros’ starting hurler Rodriguez helped their opponent a great deal by brewing pressure and creating early lead. Rodriguez, making his fifth and final start of spring training, allowed five runs on six hits in three innings. His five strike-outs and four
walks on 90 pitches did not prove valuable for the club.
Rodriguez is looking forward to move into the regular season against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday and is aware of the poor performance he had.
"I felt strong, but I missed a lot. You can see that. A lot of walks," said Rodriguez, who finished his spring 0-3. "I think that was my big problem today. I felt strong and I tried to throw too hard."
Tigers’ starter Brad Penny, making his sixth start of spring training, pitched in six innings and allowed seven hits, however he consumed just two runs and struck-out four with two walks. The two time National League All-Star has a 1-1 record with a 4.19
ERA this spring.
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