Detroit Tigers Drop Rain-Soaked Finale Against Royals

After a blistering start against their AL Central foes, the Detroit Tigers have now failed to win three straight series within their division, after a 2-1 loss to the Royals, Sunday night.

The rubber match, which leaked into Monday morning following a lengthy rain delay, was largely dictated by pitching.

For Kansas City, veteran right-hander Chris Young tallied another pristine outing against the Tigers, in his second spot start of the year. Over six innings, Young allowed just one unearned run, and three hits, while striking out three.

He was equalled pitch for pitch, by his youthful opponent, Shane Greene, however. Greene who had been awful in his last three starts, after an exceptional start to the year, returned to his early season form and allowed just one earned run over eight innings, while allowing just four hits, and striking out three.

Offensive stars, in this contest, were few and far between. The one run which Greene allowed came off the bat of Alex Gordon, when the Royals’ left-fielder drove in Kendrys Morales with a double in the gap. And, it would be their last until the 10th, and final inning.

By the same token, Detroit managed just one run all game, and received their lone tally due to an ill-advised throw by former Tiger, Omar Infante. After Anthony Gose reached on Infante’s blunder, he was driven in by Ian Kinsler, and Detroit tied the score at 1-1, where it would remain for the next seven innings.

In the end, despite great starting pitching, the finale in this important early-season matchup, became a bullpen game, which signaled doom for Detroit. The Tigers’ lone reliable reliever, Joakim Soria, worked through a scoreless ninth, but Angel Nesbitt’s lack of control allowed the go-ahead run to score on a sacrifice fly by Infante.

For the Royals, Greg Holland was able to make the pitches that Nesbitt could not, and work out of trouble. Despite loading the bases with similar control issues, the closer for Kansas City forced Hernan Perez to ground into a double play, and then struck out Yoenis Cespedes to ultimately post a scoreless 10th.

The Tigers, who are 4-6 in their last 10, and now in the midst of a two-game losing streak, have the day off tomorrow before returning to action against the Twins on Tuesday. Alfredo Simon will look to get Detroit back on track against Kyle Gibson at 7:08, in a game that will be broadcast on Fox Sports Detroit and 97.1 The Ticket.

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