Detroit Tigers Win Fourth Series Against AL Central Foes

For the Detroit Tigers, there is nothing like the comfort of the AL Central, in the midst of a losing streak.

Detroit has dominated AL Central opponents over the last few years, and 2015 looks to be no different. Despite dropping the first game in a three game set against Cleveland, the Tigers rallied in the series, and clinched their fourth straight series win over an AL Central opponent, to begin 2015, with an 8-6 over the Indians, Sunday afternoon.

The Tigers jumped out on the Indians early when Rajai Davis’ hustle turned into a leadoff triple. Then, shortly after, Ian Kinsler drove Davis in on a single to left field. And, Detroit would not be done there. A sacrifice fly off the bat of Victor Martinez would make it 2-0 in the first frame.

However, much like they would all afternoon, the Indians fought back. In the top of the second inning, former Tiger Ryan Raburn doubled home Carlos Santana, and in the top of the fourth, Cleveland countered a Detroit run with another of their own, making it 3-2.

That score would only hold until the fifth inning where, from then on, the Tigers would distance themselves from their AL Central foes. After Detroit loaded the bases, J.D. Martinez doubled home two runs, making it 5-2, until Miguel Cabrera hit his third home run of the year in the sixth, which made it 7-2.

Again, Cleveland fought back, though. Tallying  runs in the seventh, eighth, and ninth, they would have the tying run on at the end of the game, but could not capitalize against Joakim Soria, who posted his seventh save of the year.

In their 13th win of the year, Detroit’s offense was sparked by Davis, who has been exceptional for Brad Ausmus in the early going. In split time with Anthony Gose, Davis is hitting .341 with 1 HR, 4 RBIs, 6 steals, and 11 runs scored.

By the same token, Kyle Lobstein was equally exceptional. The Tigers’ young right-hander has been much better than expected, filling in for Justin Verlander, and Sunday afternoon was no different. Lobstein allowed just three runs in seven innings and is now 2-1 with a 3.50 ERA.

The Tigers will now travel to Minnesota to begin a crucial road trip where they will face the Twins, and then Kansas City, and Chicago, before returning home. Their next game will be at 8:10 on Monday and will be broadcast on Fox Sports Detroit and 97.1 The Ticket.

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