The education of rookie right-hander Rick Porcello continues.
Porcello got through the Yankees' lineup once without damage Wednesday night, but the second time the veteran- and left-handed-laden lineup used its experience on the 20-year-old prospect. "He didn't throw enough strikes, basically," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said.
The Yankees laid off Porcello's sinkers, forcing him to bring the ball up to where they could beat on it.
New York scored seven times in the fourth, six of the runs charged to Porcello.
Catcher Gerald Laird remarked that Porcello is going to have to rely on his curve more, something that he's had on-and-off success doing.
Major league pitchers need to mix it up more. And if one pitch isn't working, they need to adjust quickly instead of stubbornly trying to fix it.
His teammates, and opponents, have been impressed with Porcello's uncommonly placid demeanor. His ability also draws praise.
But the fact he had only 125 innings of pro pitching experience beyond high school definitely shows. He'll be getting his experience at the major league level.
YANKEES 8, TIGERS 6: A late Detroit rally Wednesday night was not enough to overcome a seven-run Yankees fourth inning. CF Curtis Granderson hit a three-run home run in the ninth inning to narrow the score after New York lit up RHP Rick Porcello. 3B Brandon Inge had an RBI double, while C Gerald Laird and 2B Placido Polanco also drove in runs.
