Detroit Tigers: Observations from 7-6 Loss Against Tampa Bay Rays

Detroit Tigers players couldn’t rebound on Wednesday, dropping a second straight game to the Rays in Tampa Bay. Here are some observations from the game.

Detroit Tigers fans saw the team lose in unusual circumstances on Wednesday. With the team up 7-6 in the bottom of the ninth against the Rays, Logan Morrison hit a ground ball that looked to be a routine double play.

However, Ian Kinsler and Jose Iglesias could turn two, with the latter slipping after receiving the throw from Kinsler.

Iglesias’ throw went wide and the Rays scored a pair to steal the win.

It’s certainly a missed opportunity for the Tigers. Here are some observations from the loss.

Castellanos’ Early Triple

Nicholas Castellanos just missed out on a home run in the first inning.

The third baseman crushed a triple to left field, but was later stranded at third base as the Tigers couldn’t score him.

Zimmermann’s Early Work

Jordan Zimmermann had a rough first inning.

A lead-off double by Corey Dickerson fell in front of outfielders JaCoby Jones and Tyler Collins. Following that, Kevin Kiermaier recoded a bunt single, while Evan Longoria notched an infield hit that scored Dickerson.

Steven Souza Jr would later collect a single of his own, plating Kiermaier to put Tampa Bay up 2-0.

The Rays going up 2-0 had less to do with Zimmermann struggling, and had more to do with the defense failing to make plays.

Tigers Make Chris Archer Work

Despite striking out six times in the first three innings, Detroit made the Rays’ ace toss 64 pitches through three.

He was approaching 80 pitches through four frames, and the Tigers eventually get into the bullpen with Archer totaling just five innings of work.

Detroit Strikes Back

In the fifth, the Tigers would cut into Tampa Bay’s 5-1 lead. Jose Iglesias lead off the inning with a single before Ian Kinsler drew a walk.

Following a Nicholas Castellanos strikeout, Miguel Cabrera plated Iglesias on a double following a superb at-bat against Chris Archer that went full.

That play cut the lead to 5-2, but Victor Martinez soon doubled Detroit’s run output, hitting a ball to left field that was dropped by Tampa Bay’s Shane Peterson.

Martinez’ hit scored Kinsler and Cabrera, but the first baseman nearly passed his teammate on the bases due to some aggressive base running.

Castellanos Triples… Again

Nicholas Castellanos would later give Detroit the lead in the top of the sixth inning with a bases-clearing triple.

Per Usual, Justin Wilson Was Excellent

Despite the Detroit Tigers bullpen struggling at times this season, Justin Wilson has been excellent.

The left-handed reliever entered Wednesday game with an ERA of 0.00, a 0.47 WHIP and 11.37 strikeouts per nine innings.

Wilson worked a scoreless eighth, he struck out the side in the process.

The reliever also set up closer Francisco Rodriguez to slam the door. However, that didn’t exactly work.

Rodriguez Blows the Save

Francisco Rodriguez entered the game in the ninth, looking to close out another Detroit Tigers win.

However, the veteran allowed an early walk to Kevin Kiermaier before Evan Longoria doubled.

Rodriguez did recover to strike out Steven Souza Jr. following an intentional walk to Brad Miller.

Next: Tigers Minor League Statistical Standouts So Far

However, he couldn’t close things out, as the Rays scored to on a potential game-ending double play that ended with Jose Iglesias throwing the ball away after slipping.

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Detroit Tigers: Observations from 8-7 Loss Against Tampa Bay Rays