J.D. Martinez put his name amongst Tigers clutch with a ninth inning bomb past Michael Bourn, center field, tying the game at four.
Unfortunately, Al-Al would essentially do the same, giving up a solo homer with two outs and a full count in the bottom of the 10th.
Too many walks may have cost us a run or two. Drew Smyly wasn’t unsharp, just lackadaisical with his command. Staying aggressive (think Randy Johnson) is a part of pitching. Trying to paint the corners too carefully can get you in trouble with a high-ball count. Smyly surrendered three runs and five walks on the night.
The Tigers weren’t able to warm-up very much after arriving late from Boston, but that didn’t stop the Bash-Brothers Victor Martinez and Miguel Cabrera. Martinez tied the game at one early with a solo shot to right field, his 11th of the season. Big Cat tallied three hits on the night, and he helped tie it at three when Rajai Davis doubled him and Alex Avila home.
Phil Coke was great and was robbed when he took a run for a throwing mistake. “Kid” Castellanos made up for it late, though, with a swift double play in the bottom of the ninth. Ultimately, a 5-4 win for the Indians prevailed.
Tomorrow, we will look to exact revenge with Justin Verlander on the mound at seven pm.