The Tigers had their first real clunker of a game today, losing to the Royals 10-5. Max Scherzer took the loss for the Tigers, giving up 5 runs (only 2 earned) in 5 innings, while lefty relievers Brad Thomas and Fu-Te Ni gave up the other 5 runs in their three combined innings of work. The Tigers defense did their pitchers (Scherzer specifically) no favors, committing 4 errors on the afternoon after having none during the entire Cleveland series.
The Tigers weren’t impressive on the offensive side of things either, going 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position on the afternoon. Still, 5 runs isn’t awful production; that many runs would have won five of the Tigers’ first seven games. Brandon Inge and Carlos Guillen had strong days at the plate, collecting two hits each and 3 of the 4 RBI the Tigers had (Austin Jackson scored on an error in the 3rd for the 5th run).
The Royals had their way with the Tigers’ pitching today, but David DeJesus and Scott Podsednik paved the way with a combined 7-for-11 performance, including 4 RBI and 4 runs scored. The Tigs won’t win too many games when the top two guys in the opposing lineup have numbers like that.
NOW THAT’S A BEATDOWN
The San Diego Padres beat the Atlanta Braves 17-2 today, exploding for 10 runs in the 4th inning. Kyle Blanks and former Tigers prospect Will Venable both finished a hit shy of the cycle. The 17 runs were the most ever scored by a team at PETCO Park in San Diego.
LOOK AT THE ROOKS
Austin Jackson went 2-for-5 with a run scored, pushing his average up to an impressive .313 on the year. His .371 on-base percentage is decent, but you’d like to see that number around .400 when he’s hitting over .300. A lot of that is due to his high strikeout rate, and Ajax added to that with another K today. Scott Sizemore had the day off.
AROUND THE CENTRAL
The Twins opened their new ballpark in style, beating the Red Sox 5-2. The Indians lost their 4th straight game, falling to the Texas Rangers 4-2. The White Sox are currently tied with the Blue Jays 7-7 in the top of the 9th.
UPDATE: The Sox won 8-7 in 11 innings. Standings are below. (click for larger image)
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