Detroit Tigers: Bullpen struggles continue after rain delay

The Detroit Tigers blew a 5-1 lead after an hour long rain delay between the fourth and fifth inning and would go on to lose 7-5.

The Detroit Tigers picked up their sixth straight loss earlier tonight after blowing a 5-1 lead. This is the second consecutive loss to Toronto at home in the series, and the Tigers now have the worst record in all of Major League Baseball.

This loss came despite scoring five runs in the first four innings and Daniel Norris having a solid start. Norris pitched four innings and only allowed one run, but his outing was cut short due to an hour long rain delay between the fourth and the fifth inning. Gardenhire opted to pull Norris, as is common practice after a long rain delay, but it did not pay off.

Gardenhire put in Gregory Soto to replace Norris in the fifth. Soto allowed the bases to get loaded and gave up a grand slam to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Soto would stay in the game and give up two more runs off of another home run by Brandon Drury. The loss and earned runs leave him with a 0-4 win loss record and a 8.69 ERA.

The Tigers bats also turned cold after the rain delay. All five of their runs came in the first four innings before the delay. Brandon Dixon was one bright spot at the plate tonight, going three for four with an RBI and a run scored. Niko Goodrum also had a two-run shot earlier in the game that initially gave Detroit the lead.

Detroit finishes the series tomorrow in the afternoon at 1:10 EST. Tyler Alexander will get the start for the Tigers. The 25-year-old lefty will make his second appearance with the major league club. He is currently 0-0 with a 3.60 ERA and four strikeouts. This will be a great chance for the young pitcher to earn a spot on the roster.