Rangers 10, Tigers 4 : Rangers take Justin Verlander deep in the heart of Texas

George Straight says the stars at night are big and bright. Tonight, in the heart of Texas, the Detroit Tigers’ star pitcher, Justin Verlander, was not too bright, giving up three home runs that set the tone as the Texas Rangers paddled the Tigers 10-4.

The Tigers scored first in the top of the second inning on a double from Jose Iglesias. This was preceeded by a seven pitch first inning from Verlander, but this would be the high point of the game for the Tigers.

Texas would get their scoring started in the third when Robinson Chirinos hit a deep shot to left field to tie the game. The Rangers would then go off in the fourth inning. An RBI single for Mazara gave Texas the lead. Joey Gallo then launched a two run moonshot that hit off the face of the roof of the outfield grandstands in right, and was followed immediately by a solo shot from Mike Napoli, stunning Verlander with a four run inning.

The Tigers would push across two in the seventh to draw within two but that is as close as it would get. The wheels came off over the next two innings. Rougned Odor stole second and a bounced throw into center allowed him to get to third. And then the alert Rangers caught the Tigers napping and Odor stole home to make it a three run lead. Ok, technically it was a balk, only because no one was paying attention and Daniel Stumpf looked up to see Odor motoring halfway down the baseline already. They poured it on from there, scoring four more runs off Warwick Saupold in the eighth to put this one in books.

ROARS:

John Hicks: three hits on the night.

Victor Martinez: Hit a fence scraper in the ninth to give a bit of excitement into the dregs of the game.

HISSES:

Justin Verlander: Three home runs will hurt you every time.

Tigers defense: Not only did a bounced throw to second that went into center allow Odor to get on 3rd, but then the Tigers flat out forgot he was even there and he stole home easily.

The bullpen: Because...bullpen.

STREAKS AND INFO:

Hicks recorded his third career three hit game, all coming in this year. He last had three hicks on August 6th, in Baltimore.

This was the third time this year Verlander has allowed three home runs. The last time was May 25th in Houston.

The Tigers really don’t like playing in Texas. Must be the heat.