In his third big league game, Andrew Albers was up against his biggest challenge yet as he took on all-star left-hander Chris Sale Aug. 17. The tests didn't end there, Thursday night the North Battleford pitcher was up against former MVP Justin Verlander and the Detroit Tigers.
While the numbers might suggest otherwise, Albers was solid in the outing. He pitched five and two-thirds innings, gave up five earned runs, one walk and struck out four batters. He also held 2012 triple crown winner and 2013 MVP favourite Miguel Cabrera hitless and even struck him out.
Much like his start against the White Sox, one bad inning in which he allowed a two-out rally was the only blemish in Thursday's game. Albers had a 5-2 lead in the bottom of the sixth inning. After getting Victor Martinez and Matt Tuiasosopo out quickly, the wheels fell off and it was the difference between a quality start and most likely a win and what turned out to be a no-decision. Omar Infante singled and Jose Iglesias followed it up with a double. Bryan Holaday singled in a run, cutting the lead down to 5-3. Now up to 96 pitches, the Twins elected for a pitching change, bringing in Josh Roenicke. The move didn't pay off as Austin Jackson hit a home run to left field on the second pitch he saw, giving Detroit a 6-5 lead. Two of the three runs were charged to Albers.
It was eerily similar to his game against Chicago when Albers allowed five earned runs, four came with two outs in the fourth inning.
Subtracting those two rough innings in Major League Baseball, the 27-year-old from North Battleford has allowed only seven earned runs through 28 innings. With his current ERA of three, it still makes Albers the Twins' top starter. Next in line is Samuel Deduno, whose ERA is 3.82.
Albers' big league success has made him the talk of the town. Last week, a billboard on Territorial Drive popped up, congratulating him on making it to the highest level of baseball. If he keeps going at this rate, the billboard won't have to come down any time soon.
