Detroit Tigers’ offense scuffles in the Bronx; fall to the Yankees 2-1

The Detroit Tigers (61-47) headed out to the Bronx to duke it out with the New York Yankees (57-53); the beginning of a four game series. Max Scherzer took the mound for the Tigers, coming in to this game with a 13-3 record. Brandon McCarthey, whom was recently acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks, started the game for the Yanks.

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Evident command issues for Scherzer and a floundering offense did the Tigers in as they lost the game 2-1. And though they lost, a defensive clinic was put on by Detroit a Ian Kinsler made two incredible plays and OF Ezequiel Carerra made one of the best catches of the year.

Game notes: Don Kelly started at 3rd base, OF Ezequiel Carerra made his first career start for the Tigers, Rajai Davis did not play until a 9th inning pinch hit appearnce, Eugenio Suarez left the game during the 5th inning after being injured on a slide into 2nd base.

WP: Brandon McCarthey

LP: Max Scherzer

Scherzer’s final line: 7.0 IP/2 ER/4 SO

McCarthey got to work quickly, retiring the first three Tigers he faced; striking out Ezequiel Carerra and Miguel Cabrera.

Max Scherzer on the other hand, did not get to work as quickly; using 20 pitches and a having a visit to the mound from pitching coach Jeff Jones. Some control issues were evident early on but he ultimately escaped the inning unharmed by getting Brian McCann to fly-out with runners on 1st and 2nd.

The Tigers then loaded the bases with a couple walks and a hit in the top of the 2nd with two outs but no runs were scored as the inning ended with Eugenio Suarez caught looking. Max was then able to hold off the Bronx Bombers once again and the game headed into the 3rd inning scoreless.

Detroit’s bat were quiet once again during the top of the 3rd, but the Yankees made some noise. Ichiro Suzuki started off the inning with a single, only to be followed by two more singles; one from Brett Gardner and one from Derek Jeter. Bases are now loaded with no outs for the Yankees.

Jacoby Ellsbury then steps the plate and hits a long sac fly to CF. Ezequiel Carerra came out of nowhere ad made one of the most incredible catches in recent memory. Mario Impemba hailed it as “one of the most exciting sacrifice flys you’ll ever see in your life.”

“Once the catch was made, The Captain himself, Derek Jeter was shown mouthing an evident “wow” with the look of amazement on his face”

To view the catch, click here.

Despite Carerra’s defensive heroics, two runs scored that inning, giving the Yankees 2-0 lead.

The Tiger’s bats stayed silent throughout the 4th inning as they once again were not able to collect any hits. Scherzer’s command problems continued as he could not seem to find the strike zone and gave up two more Yankees hits.

Top of the 5th rolls around and the Tigers were finally able to muster out a run. Eugenio Suarez hit a ground ball to 3rd baseman Martin Prado for what should have been the 2nd out of the inning but was instead thrown away by Prado. Ian Kinsler steps to the plate and Suarez takes off for 2nd, only to be injured on the slide into the base. He the exited game to be relieved on the basepaths by Andrew Romine. Kinsler then singles to left and Romine scores the first Tigers run.

Aug 4, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Max Scherzer (37) pitches against the New York Yankees during the first inning of a game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Yankees are held off once again by Scherzer but are able to hold onto their lead.

A high pitch count eventually led Brandon McCarthey to be relieved by Matt Thorton; whom was able to hold onto the lead for NY; striking out Torii Hunter and JD Martinez in the process. The tying run was stranded on 2nd as Miguel Cabrera ended the inning with a ground ball to 1st baseman Chase Headley.

The 7th inning stayed relatively quiet for both sides and we head to the eighth. The Tigers are held off by RP Shawn Kelley.

Phil Coke came into the 8th inning to relieve Max Scherzer and had a 1-2-3 inning; ending with a Chase Headley strike out.

Yankees closer David Robertson came in to close out the game, looking for his 30th save of the season. And he did just that, having a 1-2-3 inning.

Tigers lose in the Big Apple, 2-1.

They look to capture a victory tomorrow with David Price making his Tigers debut.