Detroit Tigers Eek Out Ugly 5-4 Win Versus Twins

The Detroit Tigers started Monday night right where they left off against the Minnesota Twins in the opening series. Jose Iglesias ripped his first home run of the season to make it a 1-0 game. Yoenis Cespedes came up to score the Martinez duo who singled and walk. Cespedes cranked his fourth home run of the year and his 14, 15 and 16^th RBI of the year with a three run blast giving David Price a nice 4-0 lead.

Price took the mound and gave up a double in the bottom of the first to Brian Dozier. Dozier’s hit was originally called a foul but was reversed by the umping staff. Dozier scored on a two out single by Trevor Plouffe making it 4-1 after the first inning.

In the top of the second, Hernan Perez singled to lead the inning off.   He stole second base and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Perez scored on a double play hit by Ian Kinsler to give the Tigers a 5-1 lead. The Tigers scored all five of their runs in the first two innings off starter Tommy Milone.

In the bottom of the fifth inning Ervin Santana doubled to left and went to third on a passed ball Alex Avila. Santana scored on a sacrifice fly to right by Brian Dozier cutting the Tigers lead 5-2.

The Tigers had the leadoff hitter on base in six of the first eight innings. Iglesias started the seventh with a triple which was his third hit of the game. Iglesias was thrown out at home on a bang up play on a great throw from left fielder Shane Robinson. Cabrera was thrown out trying to time the pitch to third and ending a very promising seventh inning for the Tigers and leaving them empty handed.

For the second outing in a row David Price looked unsettled. His control was erratic even though he struck out seven over six and a third innings, allowing six hits and two walks. Manager Brad Ausmus left David Price in the seventh with high pitch count and seemingly not effective. Jordan Schafer took advantage and doubled to right field. Schafer then scored off a Danny Santana single that careened off the glove of Jose Iglesias into center field. The Twins narrowed the lead to 5-3.

Price was relieved by right hander Alex Wilson who pitched in his second game as a Tiger. Wilson was part of the Cespedes-Rick Porcello deal and originally assigned to Toledo to start the season. Wilson easily retired the two batters he faced in the seventh.

The Tigers struggled on the base paths tonight. Cabrera was thrown out in the seventh and J.D. Martinez was picked off in the top of the eighth.

Joba Chamberlain came in for the set up in the bottom of the eighth. Joe Mauer led off with a double in and advanced to third on a sacrifice by Eduardo Nunez and scored on a single by Kurt Suzuki.   The Minnesota Twins inched closer 5-4 at the bottom of the eighth.

Closer Joakim Soria entered the game looking for his eighth save in as many appearances. Jordan Schafer opened the ninth with a single, his third of the game. Soria retired the next three batters ending the game against Torii Hunter and earned the save.

It was an ugly win for the Tigers, but they keep pace with the Kansas City Royals who also won tonight.

Game Notes:

• Jose Iglesias went 3 for 5 and was a double away from the cycle. He improved his batting average to .397
• The Tigers and Twins both left 14 on base
• Joba Chamberlain gave up his first earned run of the season
• Justin Verlander is still not throwing but traveling with the team
• Torii Hunter is 1 for 15 against his former team so far this year
• Ace David Price is now 2-1 on the season with a 3.48 ERA

Up Next:

The Tigers pitch Anibal Sanchez in game two against the Twins and Mike Pelfrey tomorrow night at Target Field at 8:10PM EST.