Detroit Tigers’ Head Scratching Downward Trend Continues With Loss

Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports

The floundering Detroit Tigers continued their struggle on both sides of the diamond in a 10-0 loss to the American League leading Oakland A’s. To say Drew Smyly didn’t have his best stuff today would be an understatement. Smyly was teed up by the A’s, giving up six runs, four of which came off solo home runs by Brandon Moss, Kyle Blanks, Josh Donaldson and Yoenis Cespedes. Smyly’s final line was 5IP, 8H, 6R/ER, 2BB and 3K. This game marks yet another poor outing by a Tigers’ starter.

The biggest bright spot of the game was rookie Corey Knebel made his second major league appearance in the sixth inning, taking over for Smyly and showing the dominance the Tigers’ have been hoping he would. He was night and day compared to his first appearance, striking out two in his first inning of work and continuing to mow down A’s hitter through the two innings he pitched. He did give up two hits, but was the only Tigers’ pitcher who was able to keep the A’s off the board.

Phil Coke came in to pitch the eighth inning and led it off with a walk, which was the catalyst for an unfortunate series of events including a batter taking first base on a catcher interference call and a botched ground ball to third that may have turned into a double play. The Castellanos error loaded the bases for Derek Norris, who hit a grand slam. Coke then made quick work of the next three batters to end the inning.

Unfortunately, there was no Tigers’ offense to speak of today. Aside from doubles from Andrew Romine and Miguel Cabrera, singles by Rajai Davis and Victor Martinez (Victor had two singles, because, Victor)  and two bases on balls for Nick Castellanos, there was not much traffic on the bases for Oakland’s pitching staff.

The Tigers will try again tomorrow against Oakland at 10:05pm.