Tigers’ fans feared that losing Rick Porcello and Max Scherzer in the offseason would be detrimental to the team’s success in 2015. With the new additions of RHP Shane Greene and RHP Alfredo Simon to the starting rotation, it seemed that everything was starting to fall into place. Even with Justin Verlander, who struggled in 2014, currently on the DL with a right triceps strain, the Tigers have started the 2015 season by shutting out the Minnesota Twins for nearly 26 straight innings and David Price, Anibal Sanchez, Greene and Simon all earning their first wins of the seasons in the Tigers impressive 4-0 start.
In the second game of the series, Price took the hill for the Tigers against Cleveland’s Corey Kluber who made his second start of the season. Although it wasn’t the overall dominance that Price displayed on Opening Day, they were still able to get a ninth inning rally and get the 9-6 win.
Detroit took an early 2-0 lead in the first which included a homer by Anthony Gose off of Kluber.
In the bottom of the sixth, the Indians were able to get to Price and took a 3-2 lead. Price went 5 2/3 innings allowing four hits and three unearned runs; striking out six and walking three.
In the top of the 7th James McCann’s single and a walk by Andrew Romine put runners on 1st and 2nd with one out. Rajai Davis lined out and it was Ian Kinsler who stepped up to the plate. A RBI single by Kinsler tied the game at three. Miguel Cabrera then hit a RBI single giving Detroit the 4-3 lead. Victor Martinez ‘s single on a line drive to center sent Kinsler home to score and give Detroit two run advantage. Martinez would then leave the game in the seventh after feeling a pinch in the back of his right leg.
Kluber went 6 1/3 innings allowing seven hits and two runs while striking out an impressive 10 batters.
In the bottom of the 8th, the Indians were able to tie the game at five and this game was not over just yet.
With a ninth inning rally, the Tigers were able to take a 9-5 lead over the Indians and although Cleveland would try a rally of their own, it just wasn’t enough to get more than one more run tacked on the board.
The Tigers are now 5-0 on the season and will look for the series sweep on Sunday afternoon.
Notable Stats:
Cleveland:
Jason Kipnis: 2 for 5; RBI
Jerry Sands: 3 for 4; 4 RBIs
Detroit:
Ian Kinsler: 4 for 5; 2 RBIs
Miguel Cabrera: 4 for 5; RBI
Next Game:
LHP Kyle Lobstein will take the mound for the Tigers as LHP T.J. House will take the start for the Indians on Sunday afternoon at Progressive Field.
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