Another Long Win For The Tigers

The Detroit Tigers secured a 9-6 win to take the series from the Twins, and climb one game closer to the .500 mark, Sunday afternoon. While they leaned heavily on a strong start from Matt Boyd, Tiger bats really came alive, to help hold off a couple Twin rallies in a marathon, 4+ hours, nine inning game.

Following a two run, 3^rd inning for both ball clubs, the score would remain tied until the 7^th. In the top of the 7^th, Presley singled at the very first bat, and Jose Iglesias hit home run number three on the season, giving the Tigers the 4-2 lead. It was the bottom of the 7^th, however, that the nail-biting really began for Tiger fans. Greene relieved Boyd for the Tigers, inheriting a runner on first. A walk, a bunt and a hit loaded the bases. A ground ball, fielder’s choice scored a run for the Twins. However, Greene dug deep to record the final two outs, which included strikeouts to Dozier and a 14 pitch battle with Escobar, stranding three.

The Tigers weren’t satisfied with the 4-3 lead. Twins pitchers would record the first two outs of the 8^th. The Tigers answered with a ground ruled double from McCann, a single from Presley, and then two back to back singles from Iglesias and Kinsler, scoring two. It turns out two was the magic number for the inning as Rondon came on to relieve Greene. A single and a double for the Twins, and then another single from Mauer scored two for the Twins. After a ground out, Justin Wilson would come on to relieve Rondon, and record the final out on a strike out. The Tigers led 6-5.

The Tigers sent nine men to the plate in the 9^th, and padded their lead, once more. This time, singles from Martinez, Presley and Kinsler scored three. The Twins weren’t quite done. After a strikeout from Wilson, the Twins cut into the Tigers four run lead with a single home run from Dozier.  But, this time Wilson would hold on to record the final two outs and the 9-6 win.

Anibal Sanchez(2-0  5.95 ERA) returns to the mound, Monday night, as the Tigers open up a three game series with Kansas City, in Comerica Park. The Royals will counter with Ubaldo Jimenez(4-6  7.19 ERA). Our coverage begins at 6:45, on 95.3 WBCK.