Tigers Fumble Away Opportunities, Lose 7-3

The Tigers couldn’t muster another comeback today, losing 7-3 to the Kansas City Royals. Ryan Perry took the loss, giving up two runs in his inning of work. The Tigers’ offense again struggled to bring runs home, going 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position.

Slick Rick Porcello gave the Tigers a quality start (yeah, it’s a stat) with 3 runs on 10 hits in 6 innings of work. Though it seemed like Porcello was having control problems, he didn’t walk any Royals hitters, and had 2 K’s. Perry worked the 7th inning, but his two earned runs come with an asterisk. With the score tied at 3 and 2 out in the top of the 7th, David DeJesus scored on a Billy Butler sacrifice fly to right. Magglio Ordonez made a perfect throw home but Gerald Laird fumbled the ball, allowing DeJesus to score. Laird was not charged with an error but anyone who saw the play would beg to differ. Jose Guillen then hit a home run in the next at bat, putting the Royals up 5-3. Phil Coke and Eddie Bonine pitched the final two innings for the Tigers.

Magglio added to his hot start with a solo home run in the first inning. Unfortunately, not many other Tigers hitters were much help. Johnny Damon racked up his 1,000th career RBI with a double in the 5th inning. Miguel Cabrera had plenty of chances to atone for his fielding errors early this week, but squandered a couple of golden opportunities. He hit into a double play with the bases loaded in the 5th, essentially killing any shot at a big inning for the Tigers. He also grounded out with runners on 1st and 2nd to end the 7th. Don Kelly struck out looking in the same situation an inning later.

LOOK AT THE ROOKS

Austin Jackson had the day off, with Ryan Raburn getting the start in center. Scott Sizemore went 0-for-3 with a walk.

AROUND THE CENTRAL

The Tigers have the day off tomorrow before starting an 11-game West coast road trip. The Twins lost to Boston 6-3, the Rangers beat the Indians 6-2, and the White Sox stomped all over the Blue Jays 11-1. Standings below. (click for larger image)