Rangers Edge Tigers 2-1
ARLINGTON, Texas (WWJ/AP) - The Detroit Tigers fail to capitalize on a bases loaded one-out ninth inning situation and lose to the Texas Rangers 2-1 on Saturday.
As heard on 97.1 The Ticket - two walks by reliever Brayan Villarreal to start the bottom of the ninth gave the Rangers all the ammunition needed to break the tie for the win and even the series at a game apiece.
A walk-off single by rookie Mike Olt to left scored Nelson Cruz and the winning Rangers run - it was Olt's 10th major league at bat.
Olt drove a 2-2 pitch from Phil Coke past diving third baseman Miguel Cabrera and into left field. Cruz easily beat the throw home.
Austin Jackson led off the game with a home run for the Tigers and Justin Verlander pitched seven solid innings and struck-out eight including the last two batters he faced in the seventh inning before being relieved by Villarreal.
Mike Adams (2-3) escaped a bases-loaded, one-out jam in the top of the ninth to earn the victory.
Cruz and Michael Young each drew four-pitch walks from Brayan Villarreal (3-3) in the bottom half. Coke relieved and got two outs before Olt delivered the winning hit.
The Tigers miss an opportunity to tie for first place with the Chicago White Sox in the AL Central division as the White Sox lose to the Oakland Athletics 9-7.
Tune in to 97.1 The Ticket Sunday as the Detroit Tigers take on the Texas Rangers in their final game of three game series - first pitch 3:05 p.m.
Get the latest scores for Tigers, Lions, Red Wings, and Pistons scores delivered daily to you from 97.1 for FREE. Simply text the keyword to the number and you're all set! Text SCORE to 97136. To unsubscribe anytime, reply STOP. Standard message charges apply.
(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)