DETROIT (Michigan News Source) – Six Detroit pitchers combined to allow just two Texas runs as the Tigers took the first game of series over the Rangers, 7-2. It was Detroit’s 34 win of the year as they defeated the AL West leaders. Six pitchers were used as two Detroit pitchers, Matthew Boyd and Will Vest, both suffered injuries in the first two innings of the game. Detroit now has nine pitchers on the injured list.
“Tough night to navigate with all the pitching. We did a great job, but losing two guys that early was painful,” said Tigers manager A.J. Hinch.
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Boyd went 0.2 innings with two strikeouts before being injured and then Vest lasted one inning with three strikeouts as the team had 16 strikeouts on the day. Mason Englert came in going 2.1 innings for the win with four strikeouts. Tyler Alexander followed with three innings of work and four strikeouts as Jason Foley (two strikeouts) and Tyler Holton (one strikeout) finished pitching an inning each.
The Tigers had 10 hits as four were for extra base hits including two home runs. Andy Ibanez had a three-run shot in the third inning and Jake Rogers added a two-run home run in the sixth inning. Ibanez, Rogers, and Miguel Cabrera all had two hits. Matt Vierling led the team with three hits.
After Ibanez three RBI and Rogers’ two RBI, Javier Beaz and Jonathan Schoop added one RBI.
Texas went up, 1-0, in the top of the first inning but a Schoop sacrifice fly tied the game in the bottom of the second inning. Ibanez three-run home run in the third put Detroit up for good, 4-1. Texas earned back a run in the fourth cutting the lead to two, 4-2. Rogers then homered in the sixth for a two runs, 6-2, and then Baez sac fly in the seventh made it 7-2.
“We punched back pretty early. Getting up three that quick is awesome, especially with the capability of the bullpen after that. It gives them a sigh of relief … when you attack hitters and have confidence, you get outs,” said Rogers.
The two teams will play again on Tuesday night at 8:05 p.m. in Texas.
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