The Tigers score 7 runs off Cleveland’s Ubaldo Jimenez in the 3rd, including homers from Delmon Young and Victor Martinez, but the Indians slowly claw back. In the 4th, both benches are warned when Tigers starter Rick Porcello throws a pitch behind Asdrubal Cabrera shortly before being chased from the game. In the 6th, Tigers manager Jim Leyland is ejected by third base umpire Alan Porter for arguing a tag play at the base on Wilson Betemit. Detroit closer José Valverde then pitches the 9th with a one-run lead, but puts the first two men he faces on base courtesy of a walk and a hit-by-pitch. After Jack Hannahan’s successful sacrifice bunt, he gets pinch-hitter Matt LaPorta to fly to short center field; CF Austin Jackson unloads a superb throw to the plate that nails Kosuke Fukudome trying to score from third base, for a spectacular game-ending double play. Detroit completes a three-game sweep with the 8 – 7 win and Valverde has now been perfect in all 37 of his save opportunities this year.

This Day In Baseball

On August 21, 2011 — The Tigers score 7 runs off Cleveland’s Ubaldo Jimenez in the 3rd, including homers from Delmon Young and Victor Martinez, but the Indians slowly claw back. In the 4th, both benches are warned when Tigers starter Rick Porcello throws a pitch behind Asdrubal Cabrera shortly before being chased from the game. In the 6th, Tigers manager Jim Leyland is ejected by third base umpire Alan Porter for arguing a tag play at the base on Wilson Betemit. Detroit closer José Valverde then pitches the 9th with a one-run lead, but puts the first two men he faces on base courtesy of a walk and a hit-by-pitch. After Jack Hannahan’s successful sacrifice bunt, he gets pinch-hitter Matt LaPorta to fly to short center field; CF Austin Jackson unloads a superb throw to the plate that nails Kosuke Fukudome trying to score from third base, for a spectacular game-ending double play. Detroit completes a three-game sweep with the 8 – 7 win and Valverde has now been perfect in all 37 of his save opportunities this year.

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Sources:
Baseball Reference August 21
National Pastime August 20
Retro Sheet
Hall of Fame
SABR Games Project
Replay The Game