Tigers find different ways to drop both games of twinbill

Game 1

Game 2

As you've probably heard somewhere, the Tigers risk losing a protected draft pick if they won two games this series. If you're the type sweating out October while thinking about the protection of draft, so far so good. Detroit lost both ends of the double header.

It's not that they're trying to lose. It's just they seem particularly well equipped to do it. Jeremy Bonderman, with all his recent struggles, took to the mound the first game and gave up nine runs. Typically he'd do that in the first inning, but today he took a no-hitter into the fourth before everything fell apart on him. Was it his final game as a Tiger? Probably. Unfortunately, what a bad final week to remember. Detroit rallied late but only came within 10-6 in the end.

In the nightcap, only one Tiger could find a way to score any runs: by doing his best Miguel Cabrera impersonation. So the big guy's replacement at first base, Don Kelly, hit his second home run in as many games today, helping Detroit avoid the shutout. However, his teammates could net just two hits in the first 8 2/3 innings of the game, and just one hit after the center field home run. So the Tigers fell 2-1 in that one.

Miguel Cabrera MVP? Well they haven't won a game without him. So that tells you something.

Now, root for the Angels, A's, Dodgers and Marlins (whoops, they lost already!)  to put a few wins on the board this weekend, or all this losing might still be for nothing, OK? Honestly, I think it's a lost cause. The Tigers are 16th and there's a two-game difference with two to go. The top 15 teams get protected picks. Gonna take a miracle, no? So I'm not in favor of hoping for defeat.

Besides all this losing -- a five-game streak now -- is certainly no fun to watch as a fan.

A few bullet points:

• Will Rhymes, Ryan Raburn and Brandon Inge all had hits in addition to Kelly in the second game.
• Rick Porcello allowed just two runs but he gave up 12 hits in 6 1/3 innings, leaving the bases loaded for Ryan Perry to clean up.
  
• In the opener, Rhymes had three hits, including a triple.
  
• Kelly homered, of course, giving the Tigers a 1-0 lead in the second inning. The only lead of the night.
  
• Max St-Pierre got into the game and doubled on his first swing. He was replaced by Ramon Santiago next inning.
• If you're counting that's losses 50 and 51 on the road this year.
• Oh and I almost forgot: Some really nice defense by Casper Wells, including an outfield assist at home plate in the second game.