Tigers Use Long Ball in Series Finale
The Detroit Tigers needed a great start to their homestand following a one-win road trip. They were able to complete the task Thursday afternoon.
Three home runs provided the offense for the Motown Cats, as they held on for a 7-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals in their three-game series finale. The Tigers were able to earn two wins in the series.
Justin Upton started the day with a three-run blast in the first inning, his team-leading 15th on the year. Ian Kinsler would add a two-run shot in the fourth, followed by Andrew Romine's solo homer in the fifth.
J.D. Martinez would drive in Kinsler in the seventh inning in a 15-pitch at-bat to add more insurance.
Michael Fulmer allowed all three runs (one unearned) in the ninth inning yet still earned the win, allowing seven hits and striking out seven in 8 2/3 innings. He now is 7-6 on the season. Defensively, the Tigers turned three double plays.
The Tigers stay home and welcome the defending American League champion Cleveland Indians to town Friday for the first of a four-game weekend series, including a day-night double header Saturday. The Tribe enters the contest winning three of their last four, following a 5-1 victory Thursday over the Texas Rangers. It keeps them in the lead in the AL Central, seven games ahead of the Tigers.
Detroit will send Anibal Sanchez (0-0, 6.75 ERA) to the mound Friday night. Cleveland responded with Josh Tomlin (4-9, 6.09). Join us for all the action on 95.3 WBCK beginning at 6:45pm!