Detroit Tigers Down Minnesota Twins 7-2 With Seven-Run Seventh

Detroit Tigers players continued to score runs, and score runs late. Detroit put seven on the board in the seventh inning to beat the Minnesota Twins.

The Detroit Tigers defeated the Minnesota Twins 7-2 in the middle game of their three game set thanks to a seven-run seventh inning. The Tigers were stymied by Phil Hughes for six-plus innings, but he was pulled after 74 pitches in the seventh sparking a seven-run rally.

Mike Pelfrey got the start for the Tigers and it was very much like his last start against the Baltimore Orioles. Pelfrey was strong through the first four innings, keeping the Twins off of the board.

Two home runs and some hard hit balls later, Pelfrey did not make it through the sixth with a final line of five and a third innings pitched, seven hits allowed, two runs (both earned), a walk and three strikeouts.

The Twins got the scoring started in the fifth and sixth with two solo home runs. Joe Mauer connected with a Pelfrey offering in the fifth inning to give the Twins the 1-0 lead. Miguel Sano then connected with a solo home run in the sixth to give the Twins the 2-0 lead. 

The Tigers got on the board in the bottom of the seventh. Miguel Cabrera hit a leadoff triple off of the scoreboard in right-center on a ball that was an inside-the-park home run for most. Victor Martinez then brought Cabrera home with a deep sacrifice fly to cut the Twins lead to 2-1 and ended Phil Hughes’s night.

The Tigers’ offense then exploded. Nick Castellanos singled on a flare to right field. Justin Upton then hit a ground rule double to put runners on second and third. Cameron Maybin singled home Castellanos and stole second to put runners on second and third once again. James McCann then struck out and the Twins went to the bullpen to get Trevor May, one of their most reliable relievers.

The Tigers greeted May with 3 hits in 4 pitches. Jose Iglesias singled home two to give the Tigers the 4-2 lead. Ian Kinsler then homered on the first pitch he saw to give the Tigers the 6-2 lead. J.D. Martinez then went back-to-back on his first pitch to give the Tigers the 7-2 lead.

Mark Lowe and Justin Wilson came on in the eighth and ninth to close the game out for the Tigers and secure the 7-2 victory.

Next: Detroit Tigers' Fans Should Stay Patient

These two teams will finish their series Wednesday afternoon at 1:10. Justin Verlander will get the ball for the Detroit Tigers opposed by Ricky Nolasco.