For the rest of time, people will remember the perfect season from Jose Valverde. But there will always be an asterisk to Tigers fans, especially if they can't recover in the ALCS. In his second inning of work, Jose Valverde gave up four runs, and -- not to get too dramatic -- possibly the season.
Tigers vs. Rangers: Nelson Cruz Bomb Puts Texas One Step Closer To World Series
The Tigers jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the third inning on a two-run double from Miguel Cabrera, who jumped on an inside fastball. Ian Kinsler, Elvis Andrus, and Michael Young connected for RBI hits in the sixth inning for a 3-2 that held until Brandon Inge hit an unlikely solo shot in the seventh inning.
The bullpens held the scoreless tie until the 11th inning, when Mike Napoli hit an RBI single to put the Rangers up 4-3. Napoli threw out Austin Jackson trying to steal in the previous half-inning. Vernon Wells did not play in the game.
After Napoli put the Rangers up, Nelson Cruz put the game away with a three-run homer. The difference between a 2-2 series tie and a 3-1 lead can’t be understated, and the Rangers are just a win away from the World Series.
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