The Detroit Tigers improved to 7-5 on the 2020 campaign on Saturday, defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates 11-5 thanks to a 1st inning outburst of four home runs in their first five at-bats, the most they've scored in the 1st since 1978.
And while it was Detroit's offense that powered the day, skipper Ron Gardenhire isn't overlooking the contributions of pitcher Gregory Soto this afternoon.
The 25 year old Dominican Republic native helped the Tigers through a 1-2-3 7th inning, having allowed just a single hit in 7 2/3 innings of work this year. Detroit's manager believes that they've found something special in him.
Said Gardenhire of his performance:
“Oh, I know he's for real. When you throw 98, you're for real.”
“It's a good thing for us and this organization to have a young man like that that's finding it and growing and developing into something very special,” he continued.
It's certainly an encouraging sign for both the Tigers and Soto to draw this kind of platitudes from the team skipper. Hopefully it will lead to a long career and productive career!
– – Quotes via Cody Stavenhagen Link – –
BONUS CONTENT: Tigers hit four home runs on first five at-bats vs. Pirates
You get a home run, he gets a home run, everyone gets a home run!
That's the mentality the Detroit Tigers entered today's contest against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park this afternoon! Starting pitcher Derek Holland was roughed up early, surrendering home runs to four of Detroit's first five batters!
Niko Goodrum got the fun started:
Hello Niko, Goodbye Baseball.
What a way to start a ballgame.#DetroitRoots | FOX Sports Detroit pic.twitter.com/THNxSIeD0V— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) August 8, 2020
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Miguel Cabrera followed with a two-run shot:
Miguel Cabrera is, what we in the bigs call, "A Strong Man."
2 Run Shot. @tigers lead 3-0.#DetroitRoots | #PickingUpWhereTheyLeft Off pic.twitter.com/9gEvx1NDua— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) August 8, 2020
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C.J. Cron‘s turn:
C.J. Cron.
High.
Deep.
GONE.What on earth… pic.twitter.com/g03HlujGOk
— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) August 8, 2020
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And how about Jeimer Candelario:
Jeimer asks, "Hey guys, need anything? I'm leaving the yard."
FOUR. HOME RUNS. IN THE 1ST INNING. MERCY.#DetroitRoots | #BigTimePowerStroke pic.twitter.com/2S8WEwPYvT
— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) August 8, 2020
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