INSIDE THE PARK HOME RUN!
W: Rick Porcello
Rick was roughed up in the first inning. Our Tiger loaded up the bases and worked a 3-0 count, all on two outs. No worries, though: he got the out and would not have any more trouble.
Porcello pitched seven strong innings, allowing four hits and three walks without a run.
He had some help in the bottom of the fourth when Prince Fielder picked off Alejandro de Aza from first base. Fielder quick!
The scoring started in the fourth. Up 1-0 with the bases loaded, Don Kelly worked a walk to bring in Victor Martinez. Rook Hernan Perez sacrificed in Jhonny Peralta for a 3-0 lead.
The sixth inning wasn’t playing. Peralta jacked one out for a 4-0 score. After Alex Avila walked, Perez hit a triple that was error-ed inside the park to a home run. He hit it deep to the left center field gap, then the left fielder bobbled the ball numerous time before he finally threw it, to no avail! 6-0.
Al-Al wasted a very nice 8th inning by starting off the 9th with a pair of no out walks. It is the tale of two Al’s; when he throws his darts, he’s a badass, like when he ended the 8th on a K. But, when he gets going in the walk department, it looks bad.
How costly were those walks? 6-2. Joaquin Benoit promptly gave up a double to clear the bases before settling down the Sox 1-2-3 to end the game. Those runs? Not his fault. That’s why they go on Al’s ERA. I hope he learns, I like him, obviously.
Everyone has to hold themselves accountable right now, though. Even Fielder was called out by the radio snarfs for expanding his strike zone this year against right handed pitching. We know what we need to do.
…………… you gotta be on your horse even if they give you the last base on an error in order to go inside the park……..I mean that is an all out sprint from start to finish and you can’t stop even if they don’t wave you home……..who says we aren’t a very fast team?