Detroit Tigers drop pair of split squads games vs. Phillies, Yankees

The Detroit Tigers didn’t have much success in Thursday’s split squad games, losing both games by one run.

That lack of success continued on Saturday as Detroit dropped another one run game to the Philadelphia Phillies, 5-4, and lost to the New York Yankees, 4-1.

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Of course, losing two games on March 14th isn’t a huge concern, but Anibal Sanchez‘s outing versus the Phillies on Saturday could be.

Sanchez had his second straight rough outing, allowing two home runs in the first two innings Saturday. The first inning was particularly tough for Sanchez who needed 33 pitches to get out of the frame. Phillies’ Brian Bogusevic hit a two-run homer to give the Philadelphia the early lead.

The 31-year-old pitched four innings, allowing four runs on four hits. He also had one walk, one wild pitch and struck out three.

Luckily, the Tigers received a much better outing from relief pitcher Joe Nathan. He pitched the fifth inning, didn’t allow a hit, walked one and struck out one. This was Nathan’s first outing since being booed off the field after allowing six runs on Thursday.

Detroit’s offense also responded to tie the game at four by the bottom of the fifth inning. Center fielder Anthony Gose continued his hot spring, going 1-for-3 with a run scored. Gose is hitting .520 this month.

Shortstop Hernan Perez was the Tigers best hitter versus the Phillies as he went 3-for-4 with a double and run.

The game remained tied until the ninth when Phillies corner infielder Russ Canzler scored the winning run on a passed ball.

Meanwhile in Tampa, Florida at George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tigers starter Kyle Lobstein threw three innings versus the Yankees. He allowed one run on three hits, no walks and struck out two.

Lefty Ian Krol, who is fighting for a roster spot, gave up another run in his one inning of work. He has posted a 5.40 ERA in five innings this spring.

The Tigers lone run versus the Yankees came from center fielder Rajai Davis, who scored on second baseman Josh Wilson‘s ground out in the fourth.

Detroit’s split squads will reunite to face the Miami Marlins on Sunday.

Next: Voices of Experience-The Detroit Tigers' Coaching Staff