New York Mets tie Detroit Tigers 7-7 in their Grapefruit League encounter - MLB Update
Helped largely by an extremely valuable hit from right fielder, Lucas Duda, New York Mets manage a 7-7 tie with Detroit Tigers in their game played at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Florida, during Spring Training Grapefruit League on March 12, 2012.
Tigers were to be an easy winner if it was not for the late upsurge led by Duda, Wilmer Flores, Ike Davis and Josh Thole in the fifth inning as the Mets saw six runs added to their score. As soon as Mets superseded erstwhile a two run lead, Tigers responded
immediately in the same inning, adding three runs to bridge their three runs deficit to one. Later it took for only one run for Tigers to keep the score tied as Mets were unable to generate any run from sixth through the 10th.
When Tigers’ pitchers Jacob Turner, was going for plenty and had nearly handed the game to Mets by giving up six runs in around one and half innings, reliever Andy Oliver entered to save the day. As he stood for four scoreless innings on mound while conceding
only one hit, grabbing two strike-outs, he was by far a star performer of the game.
Spot for fifth starter in the season for Tigers is not yet decided and by looking at Oliver performance, it will be no surprise if he is given the role. However when asked about this from their manager Jim Leyland, it came out that management is still indecisive
among three players competing for place.
Mets put Jonathon Niese on the mound as a starter and while he pitched for three innings, he was drawn three runs at his balls during four strike-outs he brought to the side.
Mets’ manager Terry Collins was extremely impressed by Duda who despite suffering from back stiffness, played tremendously well.
"If that's how he is hitting when he's hurt, I can't wait to see him when he's healthy," Collins said.
Duda’s grand slam hit apart, Mike Nickeas equally deserve credit for being alert enough to manage two doubles and contribute two RBIs for the Mets.
As Mets have lost five of their eight games played so far in Spring Training, they will be anxious to find a victory to see their confidence for the upcoming regular season lifted.
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