The Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers have been locked in a pitching duel for most of Tuesday’s Game 3 of the ALCS, with starting pitchers John Lackey and Justin Verlander combining for zero runs allowed through six innings.
The deadlock was broken in the top of the seventh inning when Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli hit a Verlander fast ball deep to left field and into one of the bullpens for a 1-0 Boston lead. Before his blast, Napoli was 0-for-4 with four strikeouts in the series.
It was the first run given up by Verlander in 21 innings this postseason. He has pitched remarkably in Game 3, but if his offense is unable to provide him with any offensive support, the 30-year-old will get his first loss of the playoffs.
Check out the home run in GIF form below, via Gifdsports.com
