Jose Valverde's Bad Pitching Continues in a 2-1 Tigers Loss

[gladdyontherise]

The Detroit Tigers lost to the Minnesota Twins in 10 innings tonight 2-1.

The Tigers took a quick lead in the 1st inning after a single by Austin Jackson, then Miguel Cabrera hit a double to drive in Jackson and the Tigers had a 1-0 lead.

Brian Britten reported that after Cabrera's double, he became only the 2nd player in Tigers history to have 40 doubles and 40 home runs in a season.

Drew Smyly's day was done after loading the bases. He pitched 4 and 1/3 innings, giving up 1 (unearned) run on 3 hits, walking 2 and striking out 2 batters.

Al Alburquerque came in for relief and got the final 2 outs of the 5th inning, but a run scored on an error, so it was a 1-1 game. Alburquerque came back out and pitched a scoreless 6th inning. Alburquerque also pitched a scoreless 7th inning.

Joaquin Benoit came in and pitched a scoreless 8th inning. Benoit came back out and pitched a scoreless 9th inning.

Jose Valverde came in and gave up a run in the 10th inning. At this point Valverde is a platoon pitcher being used as a closer, and that isn't right.

The Tigers open up a 4 game home series with the Royals tommorrow as Justin Verlander (15-8 2.74 ERA) takes on Luke Hochevar (8-14 5.40 ERA).

Picture credit: zimbio.com
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