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Tigers Vs. Rangers Final Score: Detroit Edged By Texas In 9th Inning On Walk-Off Hit, 2-1

The Detroit Tigers dropped a tight pitcher's duel with Texas on Saturday night in Arlington, as a ninth inning walk-off hit from the bat of Mike Olt gave the Rangers a 2-1 game two victory.

The Tigers picked up what appeared to be a possible game-winning hit in the ninth inning on a Delmon Young single to right field, but third base coach Gene Lamont opted to hold runner Miguel Cabrera at third base. As expected, a pop out by Jhonny Peralta shortly followed and ruined Detroit's chance for a run.

Detroit reliever Brayan Villareal opened up the bottom of the ninth with a pair of walks before he could record an out, and quickly gave way to Phil Coke who nearly close the door but allowed a seeing-eye grounder from Olt that slid between shortstop and third base. The defeat represents Coke's fourth of the season, and marks the fifth straight appearance where he's either allowed a run or walked away with a loss.

Starter Justin Verlander was his usually sharp self on the mound against Rangers hitters in the game, and scattered seven hits over seven innings of one-run ball in a no-decision. Verlander also added eight strikeouts and did not walk a batter, but struggled to make quick work of his opponents as Texas batters routinely worked the count and left him without a chance to pitch into the later innings.

Now tied 1-1 in the series heading into the deciding game, the Tigers will send 23-year-old Rick Porcello (9-6, 4.62 ERA) to the mound for Sunday's finale.

Head over to Bless You Boys for more Tigers coverage, and check out Lone Star Ball for more on the Rangers. Also visit Baseball Nation for even more MLB news and analysis.