Detroit Tigers lose fourth straight; drilled by Cleveland Indians

When the Detroit Tigers last met the Cleveland Indians they were hitting, pitching and fielding extremely well. This time–not so much, and it showed.

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While the Tigers steamrolled the Tribe in Cleveland two weekends ago, the Indians notched the first blow in the series in Detroit, jumping all over Shane Greene en route to a 13-x victory.

The Tigers have now lost four straight games and five of their last six. Since starting the season 6-0, they’ve gone 5-6.

Greene, who has been one of the most impressive stories of the early-going for the Tigers looked off early. While he retired the first two men in order in the first inning, Michael Brantley singled and Carlos Santana walked. Brandon Moss stepped up and drove a ball into the gap to score two.

The next inning, Greene allowed another run and the Tigers were in an early 3-0 hole. They have been falling behind by a lot early in games lately which has been a recipe for disaster with the struggling offense.

The Tigers had their best chance to get back into the game in the first inning down 2-0. They loaded the bases with an Ian Kinsler walk, Miguel Cabrera base hit and hitsbatman for Victor Martinez. J.D. Martinez who had struck out nearly every at-bat against Cleveland starter Danny Salazar and he predictably struck out again.

Yoenis Cespedes made a bid for his second Grand Slam this week and smoked it to deep center field. Instead of giving Detroit the lead, it was a 410-foot third out. One inning later, Nick Castellanos brought the team closer with a solo homer, but that would be as close as they’d get.

Greene got into trouble again in the fifth inning, allowing three more runs. He departed and Alex Wilson made his Tigers’ debut by surrendering a dagger in the form of a three-run shot by Moss.

Wilson had been called up on Wednesday from Triple A Toledo and was part of the deal that brought Cespedes to Detroit for Rick Porcello.

Greene’s final line was four innings, allowing nine hits and eight runs, walking two and striking out one. His 0.39 ERA rose to 3.00.

Everyone is well aware of the Tigers’ bullpen problems, but one of those many didn’t worry about was Al Alburquerque. Well, start worrying. By allowing four runs on four hits, with two homers in two innings, Al-Al’s ERA rose to 11.37. His fastball velocity is down and if they can’t rely on Everyday Al hooo boy….

The Tigers will face a tough test for their listless offense to try and break out of the skid on Saturday. Cleveland sends Trevor Bauer, who has been very good in two starts this season and has not lost to the Tigers in his career. Detroit goes with Alfredo Simon. First pitch is 1:08 and the game will be shown on Fox Sports 1.

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