MLB Playoffs: Fister, Cabrera Lead Tigers Past Rangers
By Editorial Staff
The Detroit Tigers claimed their first victory of the American League Championship Series last night, defeating the Texas Rangers 5-2. The Tigers received a solid performance from starting pitcher Doug Fister while Miguel Cabrera drove Detroit’s offensive attack.
The Rangers jumped out to an early lead for the third time in as many games. In the top of the first, Texas used three consecutive singles off the bats of Ian Kinsler, Elvis Andrus and Josh Hamilton to go up 1-0.
Rangers starter Colby Lewis, coming off his first round one-hit performance against the Rays, appeared to be back in top form early on. Lewis held the Tigers scoreless while striking out five batters over the game’s first three frames.
But Detroit was able to get to Lewis in the 4th, and went on to score runs over the next four consecutive innings. Victor Martinez got things started with a solo shot in the 4th. Cabrera’s RBI double gave the Tigers the lead in the 5th, and Jhonny Peralta and Austin Jackson drove in a pair in the 6th inning. Cabrera capped off his impressive night with a solo home run of his own in the 7th.
Tigers starter Doug Fister carried his team into the 8th, when he handed the baton off to his pen. Fister called it a night after logging 7.1 innings in which he allowed two runs on seven hits.
Detroit’s late-inning combo of Joaquin Benoit and Jose Valverde finished things off, with Valverde collecting his third save of the postseason.
While the Tigers were able to win their first game of the ALCS and pull the series back to 2-1, the victory came at a cost. During his game-tying home run, Victor Martinez strained his side. The injury is similar to the one hampering teammate Delmon Young, but Martinez has declared that he will be suiting up for game four Wednesday.
Detroit will try to even the series tonight, as they send Rick Porcello to the mound to face off against Matt Harrison of the Rangers.
For more on the Rangers and Tigers, be sure to check out Nolan Writin’ and Motor City Bengals.