Tigers Lose on Pinch-Hit Homer

Jose Valverde just isn't very good in non-save situations.  He's 11 for 11 in save situations this season, but takes a loss after giving up a  long home run to pinch-hitter David Ortiz in the 9th inning. 

Ortiz has faced Valverde twice in his career.  Both times the ball ended up in the seats.  Tigers lose 4-3, after climbing back into a game they trailed 3-0.  Tiger starter Andy Oliver pitched 6 innings, giving up 3 to the powerful Boston lineup in his first Big League action this season.  Newly acquired reliever David Purcey pitched a scoreless 7th, and Juaquin Benoit kept the Bosox off the scoreboard in the 8th.  Valverde just couldn't get it done in the 9th.  The loss is the 3rd straight for the Tigers, who missed another opportunity to gain ground on first-place Cleveland who also lost again.

Andy Dirks and Brennan Boesch each homered for the Tigers, Jhonny Peralta drove home Miguel Cabrera with the other Tiger run.

The Tigers and Red Sox will play again tonight at 7:05 as the make-up game for yesterday's rainout.  Justin Verlander faces Boston ace Josh Beckett in what should be quite a pitcher's duel.  It's time for the Tigers to stop this latest streak.

Tonight's game will be televised on FSD.