The score was tied 2-all with two outs in the eighth when Kinsler hit an RBI double off the top of the left-field fence, chasing Pelfrey. I don’t know if he had his best command early, but he made pitches with guys on and that’s why he is who he is. “They’re in front of us in the standings and they have a good squad”.
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Detroit has had a disappointing start to the year to say the least, but a strong series against Minnesota heading into the break could pay huge dividends in terms of setting up the Tigers for a second half surge.
Minnesota just got Ervin Santana back from suspension, and he shined in his season debut on Sunday, tossing 8 innings and allowing just 2 runs on 3 hits in a no decision against the Royals. Pelfrey was charged with all four runs on eight hits through 7.2 innings to fall to 5-6. Trevor Plouffe singled in a run and scored while Torii Hunter drove in a run with Brian Dozier scoring. “Frustrating night and I didn’t come through”. Dozier has hit safely in five straight games against Detroit, going 7-for-21.3. “It’s the way it is”.
Yoenis Cespedes followed with a double to right field to score Kinsler.
Two Detroit Tigers pitchers skipped riding the team bus to Thursday’s game at Target Field and used foot power instead. Detroit RHP Justin Verlander (0-2, 6.75) will face Minnesota RHP Ervin Santana (0-0, 2.25 ERA).
It was an ominous start for Pelfrey after he struggled mightily in his previous two outings.
So, too, could Miguel Cabrera’s strained calf, which has him on the disabled list for about six weeks. The Tigers are 7-2 against the Twins this season and have outscored them 56-23 in those nine games.
“He showed us he had that extra gear when we had a couple of opportunities early”, Twins manager Paul Molitor said. “After the leadoff home run, he settled in fairly well”. “That’s good when you can go out there and do that”. Joakim Soria earned his 20th save in 22 chances. Verlander was tagged for seven runs in five innings against the Blue Jays in his last start.
Minnesota rookie Miguel Sano has impressed with his ability to work counts and get pitches to hit. But Price handled the heavy-hitting Sano with a mix of off-speed pitches.
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Price is 8-2 on the season and the Tigers are 14-3 overall in his starts, including wins in each of his last three outings. Pelfrey failed to make it past the fourth inning in three of his last five turns, including last time out at Kansas City when he gave up three runs on seven hits over four frames. He allowed one hit.
