Recap: Tigers Grind Out Series Win

The Tigers got a solid outing from Max Scherzer this afternoon, going 7 strong innings, giving up just 1 run on 4 hits, 2 walks, and another 9 strikeouts to add to his season total, as the Tigers take 2 of 3 from the Los Angeles Angels by a final of 5-2.

After a bit of a shaky start, Max got into a nice groove that included a stretch where he had retired 14 straight batters. The first inning was the only blemish: after allowing 2 singles to Mike Trout and Maicer Izturis to start the game, he got Torii Hunter to ground into a double play, allowing the only run he allowed to score.

Joaquin Benoit pitched a perfect 8th inning (2 strikeouts) and Jose Valverde finished the game, allowing 2 baserunners (HBP, single) and a run before finally shutting the door on the Angels for the win.

The Tigers offense had 7 hits today, 4 of which went for extra bases, including home runs from Prince Fielder (2-run shot) and Delmon Young (solo shot, back-to-back); which broke a 1-1 tie in the 6th inning. Fielder, Young, and Andy Dirks each supplied 2 hits, and Quintin Berry added an insurance run with a sacrifice fly in the 8th, scoring Dirks.

The Angels offense looked rather ordinary today, with only 5 hits and 12 strikeouts as a team. Rookie phenom Trout was rather less-than-ordinary in this series, with his only hit being the infield single that started today’s game. He went 1 for 13 total, striking out 3 times in today’s game.

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Mark Trumbo also had a forgettable series, going 1 for 11, with 1 walk, and 7 strikeouts

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Max Scherzer keeps adding to his career high season strikeout total: 9 today puts him 5 shy of 200 for the season. Scherzer has at least 8 strikeouts in his last 8 starts.

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Miguel Cabrera didn’t start today’s game, marking the first time this season he wasn’t penciled into the starting lineup. Jeff Baker started in his place, and played 3rd base. Miggy has been nursing a sore right ankle, and with the Tigers off day tomorrow, has 2 days of rest on it before the Tigers travel to Kansas City for a 3-game series starting Tuesday night.

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