When all is said and done for the 2015 Detroit Tigers, the season will be a disappointment, and Brad Ausmus will likely be out of a job.
The Tigers’ manager has been criticized for everything from his game management, to his postgame conferences. However, one thing he should be praised for is the resiliency of his poorly constructed, and vastly depleted team.
Friday night, against the Minnesota Twins, was a prime example.
After four scoreless innings, Matt Boyd, the Tigers’ young left-hander, allowed a bases loaded triple off of the bat of Eddie Rosario, and a sacrifice fly, to put Detroit down 4-0 early.
However, in the very next inning, Detroit fought back, and that trend would continue all night.
In the bottom of the fifth, a Dixon Machado ground out gave the Tigers their first run. Then, after the two teams exchanged scoreless sixth innings, Detroit put together a rally that would bring the score back even.
First, Machado, singled on a line drive to center. Then, Anthony Gose walked with two outs to set up the high-powered middle of the lineup.
Detroit’s big bats promptly delivered.
Ian Kinsler’s 35th double of the year scored Machado, and then after a Miguel Cabrera walk, Victor Martinez, tied the game with a bases loaded double of his own. It was Martinez’s 20th double of the year, and yet another encouraging sign that the designated hitter may return to form in 2016.
Another good sign was the solid performance of both Boyd, and the bullpen, in relief of the 24 year-old. Over six innings Boyd allowed just one hit, and only two earned runs, while striking out four Twins. Then, in support, Al Alburquerque, Alex Wilson, and Neftali Feliz each tossed scoreless frames.
That was enough for the Tigers’ offense. In the bottom of the eighth, Rajai Davis continued his torrid stretch, and put the Tigers ahead for good, when he hit a two-run home-run off of Glen Perkins.
Davis, and the rest of the Tigers will try and build on their positive momentum when they face off against the Twins yet again on Saturday night. Alfredo Simon, who is 13-10 with a 5.21 ERA, will face off against Tyler Duffey is 4-1 with a 3.15 ERA.
The game will take place at 7:08 and will be broadcast on Fox Sports Detroit and 97.1 The Ticket.
Next: Detroit Tigers: Bruce Rondon's hard head, reliever usage, Yovani Gallardo