Oakland Athletics hammered by Detroit Tigers 1-3 in game one of ALDS – MLB Update
Oakland Athletics were essentially hammered by the Detroit Tigers 1-3 in Game 1 of American League Divisional Series on Saturday, October 6 Comerica Park in Michigan.
Justin Verlander played beautifully for the Tigers as he tossed seven solid innings and received only one run on three hits.
He showed his aggressive ball play and rattled the Athletics with big force. He struck-out eleven and received only one homer on his consistent 1.29 ERA. Verlander stood tall against the entire senior batting line-up of the Athletics. Verlander started his spell with confidence and proved too good for Oakland in the end.
"Early on was kind of a bit of a battle for me, Just kind of found my rhythm a little bit was able to hit my spots better, I started throwing my breaking ball for strikes a little bit better, too, Early on, didn't have great control of any of my pitches, But I was able to get myself out of jams that I created," Verlander said.
Along with Verlander, the Tigers' other pitchers also played beautifully and earned a great victory for their team.
Relief pitcher Joaquin Benoit pitched one inning and received only one hit. He struck-out one while he remained calm on the mound for his short spell.
Closer Jose Valverde also proved his valour as he pitched one solid inning and struck-out two on his fast and curving pitching.
On the other hand, the Athletics' starter Jarrod Parker could not rise to the occasion. He was brought as a starter against the Tigers’ ace Verlander but with the pressure of starting an ALDS game, he could not pitch in the right areas and lost the composure which eventually proved disastrous for Oakland.
"Most good starters, you try to get to them before they get into their rhythm, He got better as the game went along. A lot of times your best opportunity is early in the game," Oakland manager Bob Melvin said.
He received three runs and seven hits on his over six innings spell. He was hammered with one homer and struck-out five while his ERA rose to 2.84.
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