It was deja vu, just change the name of the pitcher from Verlander to Sanchez. For the second time in the series, the Rangers take a big lead early while the Tigers starter is unable to get out the third inning.
You wanted a pitcher's duel in Texas? You got one. But it wouldn't be Verlander and Darvish dueling. It was Rick Porcello and the Tigers bullpen, along with Nick Tepesch and the Rangers relievers, putting on a show.
The much hyped pitcher's duel with Yu Darvish never materialized. The Rangers roughed up a hard throwing but extremely wild Justin Verlander for eight runs in his second straight sub par start.
No longer trusted to throw strikes in late inning situations, the Tigers have optioned Al Alburquerque to Triple-A Toledo, replacing him with Evan Reed.
One of these days Jim Leyland may realize using Phil Coke against a right-handed bat is not a good idea. Today wasn't the day, the Astros rallying for two ninth inning runs to beat the Tigers.
What's the he best prescription for a losing streak? A series against the woeful Houston Astros. The Tigers used a six run fourth inning, highlighted by Andy Dirks' grand slam, to beat the AL's worst team.
Austin Jackson's hamstring problem has become serious enough to require a stint on the disabled list. Avisail Garcia is called up to take Jackson's spot on the roster.
In what became a battle of the bullpens, it would be the Indians' pen which would come through in the late innings in a come-from-behind victory over the Tigers.
Justin Verlander, uncharacteristically lacking command, allowed four runs and five walks in five innings. The Tigers bullpen was nicked for three runs, which would come back to haunt the them when their late rally fell one run short.
The veteran reliever received good news from the go-to surgeon for arm woes, Dr. James Andrews, who confirmed the original diagnosis of right elbow inflammation was correct. Dotel will continue to rest his sore elbow.
Luke Putkonen impressed the Tigers during his call-up, but he was the odd man out when room needed to made on the roster for a healthy Phil Coke.
The Tigers clobbered five Indians pitchers with nine extra base hits, including long home runs from Prince Fielder, Miguel Cabrera and Andy Dirks. Max Scherzer pitched a solid eight innings to win his fifth game of the season.
On a day which belonged to the bullpens, Dan Haren was a little better than Doug Fister, which ultimately was the difference in the game. Matt Tuiasosopo's home run pulled the Tigers to within a run, but could not complete the comeback.
Jordan Zimmermann beat Anibal Sanchez in a low scoring pitcher's duel.
Over the fence is good, out of the stadium is better
Backed by four home runs by the offense, Justin Verlander fell eight outs short of his third career no-hitter, but pitched the Tigers to a sweep of their four-game series with the Astros as part of a 9-0 shellacking.
It was all Tigers from the first pitch to the last, reaching season highs in runs (17) and hits (21) while spanking the Astros.
Slumping Alex Avila came up huge when it was most badly needed, smashing a two run home run in the ninth inning to give the Detroit Tigers a come-from-behind 4-3 victory over the Houston Astros.
The Tigers' bullpen pitched seven innings of one-hit, two-walk baseball, not allowing a run. A spectacular performance by a much maligned group in a 14-inning victory.
Two streaks were on the line for the Tigers against the Twins. The pitching staff's AL record tying four game streak of 10 strikeouts or more in a game and their five game winning streak. Only one streak would survive the afternoon.
Phil Coke was placed on the 15-day disabled list prior to the Tigers' road trip to Houston and Washington.
Led by Justin Verlander's eight punchouts, Tigers pitching would combine for 10 strikeouts against the Twins. This was the Tigers' fifth consecutive game with 10 of more, which ties an American League record.
The Detroit Tigers win their fourth straight game, beating the Minnesota Twins thanks to excellent pitching and a pair of home runs. Earl Weaver would have been proud.
The story going into today's game was if Rick Porcello could recover mentally from one of the worst starts of his career. It should never been in question, as Porcello would counter with his best start of 2013.
Anibal Sanchez was brilliant on the mound with a franchise-record 17 strikeouts; Matt Tuiasosopo supplied all the offensive support Sanchez would need in dismantling the Atlanta Braves.
