Minnesota Twins beat Detroit Tigers 2-1 in series finale – MLB Update
Minnesota Twins showed great fighting ability and mental strength as they edged past the Detroit Tigers 2-1 at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 23 in the finale of their three match series.
Twins’ starting pitcher P.J. Walters played a key role in deciding the outcome of the clash as he gave up just five hits and one run in six sharp innings to keep Tigers on the defensive. Relief pitcher Jared Burton grabbed the win after he pitched the perfect
ninth.
Detroit’ starter, Drew Smyly gave up three hits and one run in four plus innings. Closer Jose Valverde suffered his fourth loss of the year after allowing the tie breaking run to Twins’ second baseman Jamey Carroll in the extra inning.
"It's not disappointing," Tigers’ manager Jim Leyland insisted. "We're one game back with 10 games to play."
"To come in in a playoff situation -- whether you're playing for the playoffs or not -- and take two of three from these guys is huge for us," Burton said.
"He's still got great stuff, even if he wasn't throwing 97," Twins’ manager Ron Gardenhire said.
"That's something I've never seen in 49 years of baseball," Leyland said. "He saw the batter heading for first and thought it was a force play. He's probably not an expert on the rulebook, to be honest with you."
Tigers’ manager Jim Leyland will be disgusted with the result of the series. After securing a comfortable win in the opener, Leyland and company were hoping to continue their impressive winning streak to reclaim their Number one status on the American League
Central Division standings table but Twins had other ideas.
Twins dominated their opponents in almost all departments in Game 2 to keep the series alive. With momentum on their side, they continued to play aggressively in the finale to cheer up the fans.
Tigers, on the other hand, will be looking to get over their loss against the Twins. It will be interesting to see if they can win their remaining games to replace Chicago White Sox at the top of AL Central standings.
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