Zimmermann Pitches Six Strong Innings in Tigers Win

The Detroit Tigers got a much needed performance from right hander Jordan Zimmermann on Saturday, as he went six innings, giving up just one run and four hits, while walking one and striking out three. The Tigers bullpen was able to hold down the fort and give Zimmermann his first win since June 14th of last season.

Zimmermann was crisp in the first inning, striking out Brock Holt to kick the game off and proceeding to get the next two batters out on groundballs. He allowed one run on a sacrifice fly the next inning, but that was all he’d allow scoring-wise. He was relieved in the seventh by lefty Shane Greene.

Detroit got on the board in the third inning, thanks to a solo home run by shortstop Jose Iglesias. The score would remain 1-1 until the Tigers offense came to life in the fifth. Catcher James McCann hit a solo home run to start things off, and that was followed by Iglesias, who drove in center fielder Jacoby Jones with his second RBI of the day. Ian Kinsler brought Iglesias home with his 1700th career hit.

Tigers relievers Greene and Kyle Ryan worked themselves into trouble, but just as quickly got out of it. They allowed two hits, walked one, and struck out two combined. In the ninth, southpaw Justin Wilson came in to close the door, and he did just that. He pitched a perfect inning to record his second career save.

The Tigers and Red Sox will continue their early season series tomorrow at Comerica Park. The Tigers will send left hander Daniel Norris to the mound, who has struggled against Boston in his young career with an 8.31 ERA against them. 

Boston will counter with reigning Cy Young Award winner Rick Porcello, who is used to pitching at Comerica Park, as he broke into the majors with the Tigers, and was there until the 2015 trade that sent Yoenis Cespedes to Boston and Alex Wilson to Detroit.

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