Detroit Offense Rallies In Ninth, Falls Short, Twins Beat Tigers 2-1

Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Tigers bats were cold for the second consecutive game and could not manage much against the Minnesota Twins in a 2-1 loss. Starter Justin Verlander (L, 4-2, 2.67 ERA) got into trouble with Twins in scoring position in the second and third innings, but was able to pitch through the jams. The same can’t be said for the trouble he encountered in the seventh. Verlander gave up singles to both Chris Parmelee and Danny Santana, then issued a walk to Brian Dozier to load the bases. Kurt Suzuki was then able to capitalize and hit a two run double. Verlander finished the seventh, and his outing, by striking out Trevor Plouffe. Although Verlander was charged with the loss, he did put up a quality start, with seven innings pitched, seven hits, two runs, two walks and five strike outs.

Nick Casteallnos had a busy night at third base, with five assists and a put out before the end of the fourth inning. The put out was a spectacular leaping snag of a Plouffe line drive, which most likely would have scored two runs for the Twins, who were threatening in the third.

The Tigers’ hitters were stymied by the Twins’ Phil Hughes, for the most part. They put up eight hits against him(one for extra bases, a Rajai Davis double in the third). The Tigers’ had men in scoring position in the third, fourth, fifth and ninth innings, but were only able to score enough to avoid being shut out. The lone Tigers’ run of the evening was scored by Austin Jackson, who led off the ninth with a double and scored when Alex Avila drove a ball to deep left field that hit the glove of Jason Kubel and dropped in for a double. Danny Worth was sent in to run for Avila, and J.D. Martinez pinch hit for Andrew Romine, but Martinez was popped up and Davis struck out to end the rally and the game.

The Tigers play the Twins again tomorrow at 1:08pm at Comerica Park, with Max Scherzer(4-1, 1.72 ERA) taking on Kyle Gibson(3-2, 3.50 ERA).