Detroit, MI (Sports Network) - A four-run rally in the ninth inning, which
began against the nearly unhittable Justin Verlander and culminated with Ben
Zobrist's go-ahead two-run single, gave the Rays a 4-2 win over the Tigers on
Wednesday.
Verlander (0-1) held a 2-0 lead and had allowed just one hit entering the
ninth, but singles by Jeff Keppinger and Desmond Jennings put runners at the
corners with one down. Keppinger scored on a wild pitch and Evan Longoria tied
it with an RBI single, driving the 2011 American League MVP and CY Young Award
winner from the game.
The bases were loaded two batters later when Zobrist put Tampa Bay on top with
a two-run single up the middle off of Jose Valverde.
Fernando Rodney retired Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder and Jhonny Peralta in
order to earn his third save of the season. James Shields (1-0) got the win
after allowing two runs on six hits over eight linings and the Rays, who swept
the Yankees to begin the season, rebounded from Tuesday's 5-2 loss in the
opener of this three-game series.
Verlander suffered his first loss in 15 starts dating back to July last year.
He was charged with all four runs on four hits over 8 1/3 innings.
Cabrera knocked in a run for the Tigers, who were attempting to start the
season with five straight wins for the first time since 2006.
The Sports Network