Ausmus credits lineup protection for Miggy's big hit

PHOENIX -- Pitching to Miguel Cabrera with the game on the line usually is not a great decision. It certainly didn't pay off for the D-backs on Monday.

With Austin Jackson on third and first base open, D-backs pitcher Randall Delgado pitched to Cabrera with the score tied at 3 in the top of the seventh.

Cabrera made Delgado pay, roping a pitch more than 400 feet from home plate off the railing in front of the center-field concourse. The ball stayed in play and Cabrera was thrown out trying to reach second. The play was confirmed following a replay, but the damage was done. The Tigers scored the eventual game-winning run.

Manager Brad Ausmus said Tuesday that he wasn't surprised Cabrera got a pitch to hit, and at least partially attributed it to having Victor Martinez hit behind the Tigers' reigning MVP.

"I would have been surprised if they walked Miggy," Ausmus said. "Victor's very dangerous, and you're adding a potential other run at first base."

Walking Cabrera intentionally wouldn't exactly be unprecedented. He's drawn 185 intentional free passes in his career -- good for third most among active players.

"If they do walk him, I'm fine with that, too," Ausmus said.