Detroit Tigers: Offense, Pelfrey Lead Way in Win

The Detroit Tigers continued to bring the power on offense, clubbing three home runs en route to a 5-4 home victory over the St. Louis Cardinals in Spring Training action.

After downing the Houston Astros thanks to a healthy dosage of home runs, the Detroit Tigers continued the team’s successful spring with a 5-4 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. Just like the Houston game, Detroit continued to make strides with the long ball.

Miguel Cabrera started things off with a home run off of St. Louis starter Carlos Martinez, lifting a home run into the right-center field bullpen.

Miggy wasn’t alone as outfielders Nate Schierholtz and JaCoby Jones got into the act with home runs of their own. On the day, Cabrera also came around to score from first on a J.D. Martinez double.

The three weren’t alone in leading the charge on offense as Dominic Ficociello, Justin Upton and Mike Aviles also chipped in on offense. Ficociello came in as a replacement and drove in the only run that didn’t come on a home run. Upton turned in a positive shift with two hits at-bats, while Aviles continued his productive Spring Training. The utility player is hitting .308 so far after a game that saw him collect three hits in three at-bats on Thursday. 

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In total, the team collected 11 hits, with eight different Tigers getting on base via contact. Martinez was the only batter to draw a walk.

While the offense had a productive day at the office, the pitching staff showed well. Mike Pelfrey threw five innings of shutout ball, scattering three hits and two walks. The former New York Met also notched three strikeouts and induced seven ground outs.

Bruce Rondon followed the starter and pitched a perfect inning, which included a strikeout. For his efforts, Rondon was credited with a hold. Another pitcher to pick up a hold was Justin Wilson, who allowed a hit, a run and a walk in one inning.

Mark Lowe came in after Wilson and struggled some. The new reliever was tagged for three hits, three runs and a walk. The outing brought his ERA up to 11.75, but  it should be noted that Lowe would eventually go on to post an ERA of 1.00 in the regular season for the Mariners last year after struggling in Spring Training.

Next: Update on the Backup Catcher Competition

St. Patrick’s Day Uniforms

With the calendar turning to St. Patrick’s Day, the Tigers sported green jerseys and hats. Those orange hats were nowhere to be seen.

Next Up:

The Detroit Tigers will hit the road tomorrow to take on the Cardinals in an away game. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 pm eastern time.

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